M is a 15 year old Afghani male. He came over to Britain in July 2008. He was dispersed to Wakefield and is known to the Refugee Council Children’s panel.
He was referred to SMILE as he had no English, and no support to get him into college.
He was matched with a mentor in October. He was quite shy and quiet and it was apparent that he did not know what to expect. As M was age disputed he was placed in adult accommodation and did not have a social worker. M’s mentor found out about a college course that delivered ESOL with maths, literacy and IT included. She accompanied M to the interview and helped him get a bus pass, and showed him what bus he needed to catch to get to college on time.
M was interested in football and other sporting activities. His mentor found out about a sporting organisation that runs football on a Saturday morning. They also offered an opportunity for M to attend a residential during half term.
In the few months that M has been mentored it is possible to see a huge change in him. His understanding and ability to speak English has increased dramatically and he seems much more confident in himself – his clothes and new hair cut speak volumes about his self esteem.
Without the SMILE project’s input, it is doubtful that M would have had these opportunities to achieve.
