Mother-of-three Arinola Araba, who runs bMoneywize, a financial education toolkit for children, speaks about the borough’s rich culture, inspiring mayor and the need to teach financial know-how to young people

What’s your connection with the borough?

My children and I have lived in the borough for more than 17 years. I also volunteer and run a not-for-profit company, bMoneywize, which helps children learn to value money in a fun way. We are also giving away free conversation starter cards to encourage families to start talking to children about money.

What’s the best thing about working or living in the borough?

Our borough has a rich and thriving culture where there are people with many different languages. It’s also quickly developing into an area that is attracting investment as its being run by a multi-award winning council team. The best thing about working here are the opportunities for innovation and problem-solving. The best about thing about living here is the excellent travel connections into and around London.

What one thing would you change?

It would be good to change the narrative around how the private, public and community sectors partner and jointly work together to solve community problems.

Use three words to describe the area.

Cultural, vibrant and developing.

Who is the most inspiring person you have ever met?

Mayor Sanchia Alasia is the most generous and selfless, community-minded individual I have met. She would go to great lengths to help anyone, yet with no hidden agenda.

What new law would you introduce if you were the prime minister?

One law would be, there should be no more people living or sleeping on the streets.

If you were the editor of this paper, what issues in the borough would you focus on?

I would focus on initiatives that bring people out of poverty, promote good mental health, encourage healthy eating and living, celebrate good stories that inspire others to do great things, consult and encourage people to get engaged in volunteering and decision making, share good stories about young people and which celebrate cohesiveness within the community.