4th June 2025

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

I was very frightened when I first arrived in Northern Ireland. I did not know where I was, anything about the country or what would happen me. I had travelled for a long time, nearly 3 months and had no contact with my family in this time. I did not understand the language and it was also very cold. I had been told before I left home that I would be provided with a good job and I would be able to send money home to my parents, so I was very worried about where I would live and how I would get money to feed myself. I also wanted to let my mother know I was safe.

I was happy, sad and anxious when I initially went to live in the residential home. The other young people and adults were all very friendly but I missed my mother and my siblings a lot and the home was huge. I worried about how long I would be living there for as during my journey to NI I had been moved between lots of different houses.

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

I was provided with some new clothing and toiletries, I had my own bedroom and bed (I had never had this before even at home) and people took time to explain who they were and how they could help me. Sometimes we got confused because of the language but we used different tools such as phone apps as well as interpreters to help. They put up pictures to help explain what some things were, such as the bathroom. Being able to talk about my experiences when and to who I wanted also helped and I never felt pressured to talking about it if I did not feel ready or able.

How did you adapt?

Living with people who spoke English was a great help as I was able to learn the language quite quickly. I found the food strange at first, especially the fascination with potatoes, but my carers helped me find shops and food I was more used to. We would take turns to cook dishes and share them to introduce us all to new tastes. The other young people in both accommodations were very friendly and would take me shopping.

How have you been supported since you arrived?

Initially I went to live in a children’s home where the staff cared for me very well. They supported me to attend education and learn English. They also supported me through the asylum process, which I found very stressful and to make contact with my family to reassure them I was safe. Living there helped me learn the language quickly although there were many different accents which took some time to get used to.

As I approached 18 years of age, I moved to supported living accommodation and continued to be supported by my social worker, support worker, solicitor and other agencies to continue attending my further education course and prepare for the transition to independent living, helping me develop skills such as cooking, managing my money and using public transport.

How had life changed for you since coming to Northern Ireland?

Life is very different from my life at home; it is also not like what I was told it would be. I still miss my family but I have lots of friends and people who support me and I talk to my family regularly. I  feel very safe in NI and now that I have my asylum, I can work as well as continue my studies. There are still some things I need help with but I see my social worker regularly and she can help me with any difficulties.

Anything you particularly miss from your home country?

I miss my family, the weather and some food that I cannot get here. What is important is that my family and I are all safe.

What are you doing now?

I passed my exams and I am now studying hospitality at the local college and work part time in a hotel. In my free time, I meet with friends to go shopping or for coffee, I like to go swimming and I also attend church.