L is an 11 year old girl from Iran. She has been living in the UK for a few months arriving with her mother to join her father on his asylum claim. Happily the family received leave to remain and are now living in temporary accommodation in Birmingham.
She is an intelligent and enthusiastic girl who is keen to improve her English and start school. Her parents also take her education seriously but are new to the British system and therefore require some assistance.
L was matched to a mentor in June 2009. The first meeting was a little awkward as L was shy, especially when trying out some English in front of the Volunteer Coordinator, mentor and her parents. However, after a few weekly sessions, L and her mentor have developed a much stronger bond. Her mentor has helped her practice English, accompanied her to social activities, assisted her with some pieces of work to prepare her for school and has found a school place for her.
Her confidence has grown and she really enjoys being able to make new friends at school. The only problem has been getting her a school uniform but her mentor has also been able to assist her parents in arranging this. With help from her mentor, her future is looking brighter every day.
