30th May 2025

Like most 17-year-old boys Geesi* comes alive when talking about football especially his beloved Arsenal. His smile lights up the room when he reveals his dream to one day see the Gunners play a Premiership game.

Geesi arrived in Northern Ireland without his family in 2021 seeking asylum. His journey to get here spanned two continents, extreme hardship, pain and suffering.

As a young boy living in Somalia, Geesi’s mother passed away. Geesi and his father left the country in search of a better life.

“My father and I left Somalia before crossing Ethiopia, Sudan and the Sahara and then eventually arriving in Libya,” he says.

It was in Libya the pair decided, like thousands of other refugees, to attempt to travel to Italy by sea. Geesi mimes the action of blowing up an inflatable dingy to describe the vessel which was to take them on their 290-mile voyage across the Mediterranean.

“During the journey in the sea to Italy my dad drowned,” said Geesi. Now totally alone, the teenager eventually made it to Northern Ireland.

Geesi has been living with supported lodgings hosts, Ronnie and Carolyn Dawson, in Armagh. He has settled in remarkably well which is testament to the love and care he has received from the couple.

Carolyn & Ronnie, supported lodgings hosts

When asked if he likes living with Ronnie and Carolyn, Geesi embraces both of them warmly – sometimes actions speak louder than words.

Ronnie said: “This young man has been a delight to have in our home. He is so happy to be here and despite everything he has been through, he just wants to get on in life.

“He arrived just before Christmas but already his English is improving, and he is settling in very well.

“My message to anyone out there thinking to get involved in fostering or providing supported lodgings is to just go for it. You will be supported all the way and helping these young people is incredibly rewarding.”

For the first time in his life Geesi can concentrate on looking to the future. As well as going to see that Arsenal match, he dreams of opening his own café and sharing food with his new-found friends.

(*name changed to protect his identity)