30th May 2025

How did you feel when you first arrived in Northern Ireland?

My mother had decided it was too dangerous for me to stay at home after my father was arrested for disagreeing with the government and my brother was killed. It was arranged for me to leave the country and go somewhere I would be safe. I travelled through a number of countries, sometimes on my own and sometimes with other young people, before reaching NI. When I first arrived, the authorities stopped me and contacted social services who brought me into their care.

I initially spent time in the regional reception and assessment children’s home who supported me to engage in education, identify social activities and develop friendships with other young people, before moving to foster care.

What were your thoughts when you were placed with your foster carer?

I appreciated the opportunity to experience a warm, nurturing family environment but this was both beneficial and conflicting for me as I missed my mother and family greatly. My foster carer provided me with support and space to manage these feelings alongside working in collaboration with the other agencies involved and helped me to feel safe, secure and wanted.

What types of things helped you settle into your foster home?

Meeting my carer before moving to her house was good and I got to choose my bedroom and décor. My carer had found out where I could buy food I liked from home and showed me where the local leisure centre was as she knew sport was important to me. My friend from the children’s home could also visit me as it was strange at first moving to a house with fewer people.

How did you adapt?

Living with my carer helped me learn the new language and what life is like in NI. I was able to join the sports club and I was picked for the team which meant I made lots of new friends who liked the same things as me. One of them also went to my school which was good.

How has your foster carer supported you?

My foster carer met with me a number of times before I moved to live in their home. I visited on a number of occasions and met some of the extended family, with the transition occurring at a pace I was comfortable with. My foster carer supported me to attend school and develop my English language skills. They helped me to integrate into the local community, becoming involved with local sporting and youth groups. Of vital importance to me was that they helped me maintain contact with others who were important to me, including my family at home and a friend from the children’s home.

My carer became very good at recognising when I was stressed, anxious and uncertain especially in relation to the immigration process and my family circumstances. They did not attempt to ‘replace’ my birth family but rather provide me with reassurance and support when my family could not; my carer talks about caring for me for my family, reinforcing that my family had put my safety above all else. My family and I have been very grateful for the opportunities I have had to experience a positive, settled home life provided through foster care.

I have been able to tell other young people who have come to live in the home about what it was like for me and helped them to settle here also.

How had life changed for you since coming to NI?

I have recently been granted my asylum which means I can work and travel and access all the same services as other young people living in NI. I have become used to the weather and food and have made many new friends. I feel like I belong here and I am able to think about things I can do in the future such as getting my own house (though not far from my carer!)

Anything you particularly miss from your home country?

Obviously, my family and friends, and I hope that I can see them again someday. I do talk to them regularly. I feel very safe in NI.

What are you doing now?

I have achieved good exam results that allowed me to continue with my studies at a higher level. I also play in a local sports team, continue to have good contact with my family and meet my friends. This year I was able to go on holiday with my carer to London and see the sights.

I continue to live with my carer through the Going the Extra Mile (GEM) scheme as I have now turned 18 years old.