Paying It Forward Documentary About The AMANI Project Released on YouTube

The film documents The AMANI Project, a six-month essential skills and mentoring programme for 16–18-year-olds of African and Caribbean heritage, and follows the second cohort of participants as they progress through the programme.

Ahead of the public release, a private screening of the documentary took place on Wednesday 11 February at Hogan Lovells’ Atlantic House offices in London. The event was hosted by Hogan Lovells and brought together programme partners, alumni, mentors and invited guests from the legal, financial and responsible business sectors.

The AMANI Project is delivered in partnership with AVIARD, Goldman Sachs and Hogan Lovells, and to date has supported over 100 young people looking for a second chance. The programme combines structured workshops covering financial literacy, communication and employability skills with regular mentoring from volunteer mentors at Hogan Lovells and Goldman Sachs.

Paying It Forward captures the delivery of the programme over six months, featuring contributions from participants, volunteers and steering committee members. The documentary includes footage from workshops, group sessions and graduation, alongside interviews reflecting on participants’ experiences. It highlights the achievements of the young people involved and the life-changing outcomes that can be achieved when businesses and social entrepreneurs collaborate around a shared vision.

Impact data from mentee surveys shows that:

• 100% of young people felt that participating in the project developed their essential employability skills
• 91% of young people strongly agreed or agreed that “I know what I want to achieve in life and I have aspirations to work toward” at the end of the project, compared to just 20% before the project began
• 83% of young people strongly agreed or agreed that being involved in the project increased their employability awareness by improving their knowledge of the different jobs available
• Before the project began, 68% of young people strongly disagreed, disagreed or were undecided about the statement “I am actively taking steps to achieve my aspirations”; by the end of the project, 88% strongly agreed or agreed, and no participants disagreed with the statement

Amani Simpson said:

“This film matters because stories humanise impact. Data tells us what changed, but stories help us understand why it matters. When young people see themselves reflected with honesty and dignity, confidence grows and trajectories continue to shift. Paying It Forward looks back on the journey of our second cohort and the people who stood alongside them. It captures the reality behind the outcomes. The uncertainty, the growth, the relationships and the moments that quietly change how a young person sees their future. I was given that opportunity at 16. This project, and this film, show what becomes possible when organisations, volunteers and communities choose to pay it forward together.”

Jonathan Chertkow, partner at Hogan Lovells, said:

“We are proud to support this project alongside Goldman Sachs and AVIARD, which reflects our commitment to building thriving communities and opening doors for young people who have faced adversity and deserve the chance to move forward with confidence.”

Andrew Bagley, EMEA General Counsel for Goldman Sachs, said:

“This project is about investing in our communities and making a positive change in society by equipping young people with the soft skills and support they need for a successful future.”

Lord Michael Hastings of Scarisbrick CBE said:

“This is a wonderful and tangible project that demonstrates the impact that multinational companies and local grassroots organisations can have together on the lives of the next generation when they collaborate.”

Paying It Forward is available to watch from 8pm on 12 February 2026 at: https://www.aviard.co.uk/TAPDoc