Testimonials
What schools, commissioners, and sector leaders say about working with Matthew Popo and Wethnk — including delivery with young people with SEMH needs, students at risk of exclusion, and communities across Telford, Shropshire, and the West Midlands.
“It’s quite common to meet somebody with qualifications around youth work, rehabilitation and personal development. It’s less common to find someone with hands on experience of working within communities and criminal justice systems who still has strong links to the communities that are most affected by this work. In Matthew you have someone who has the qualifications, the lived experience, the connections to the community and the ability to articulate it all. It’s this combination that makes WeThnk special, and its contribution so valuable to all who have the privilege of experiencing their work.”
Casey Bailey, Assistant Headteacher and former Birmingham Poet Laureate“I have had the privilege of working alongside Matthew Popo for many years, and I can wholeheartedly say he is an outstanding educator. His unwavering commitment to supporting children and young people in their educational journeys is truly commendable. Matthew brings a unique blend of passion, firmness, and tenacity to his work, qualities that not only make him a remarkable educator but also a profound source of inspiration. Collaborating with him has been both an honor and a constant source of motivation. His dedication is evident in every project he undertakes, and his ability to engage and uplift his students is exceptional. I look forward to many more years of learning from his expertise and witnessing the positive impact he continues to make in the field of education.”
Craig Pinkney, CEO SOLVE and Urban Youth Specialist
“Matthew’s exceptional ability to both engage with and sustain meaningful and positive relationships with young people over the years that I have been aware of his work, is nothing short of inspiring. He has a commitment and passion that is undeniable. What has always struck me as significant is his quiet and unassuming nature in the field of youth work which is somewhat dominated by a sea of characters who shout and proclaim loudly about how many of the youth they have helped. In his quietly confident manner Matthew has been working tirelessly under the radar with no desire to compete in a popularity contest and I believe that this is one of his greatest strengths. The legacy of his work has been and continues to be felt, as it should be, by the young people who have had the privilege of being within his sphere of influence in a range of settings both formally and informally.”
Liz Pemberton, Early Years Anti-Racist Consultant and Trainer