Pathways to Independence

These two case studies provide two different stories of the work Pathways to Independence has done with young people and both clearly highlight the drive, capability and resourcefulness they possess.  Both also highlight the importance of education in their journey and their willingness to give back and contribute to their communities.

Adam Yasir

Education, Volunteering and Independence

Adam Yasir arrived in the UK in November 2007 as a refugee, seeking asylum from war torn Darfur, Sudan. Arriving in the Pathways to Independence (Pathways) Croydon office Adam remembers his first experience of Pathways like it was yesterday.

”On the first day I arrived at Pathways’ offices, I was met with friendly, smiley faces,” says Adam. “It was Friday 2^nd November at 5.00pm. I remember it so well because the welcome I was given had such a great impact. I was just amazed at how welcoming everybody was. They opened their hearts to me”.

Since this date Pathways has worked with Adam to support him on his own pathway.  After providing Adam with accommodation, access to services and support with his asylum application the organisation worked to help him plan his education and a pathway to independent living and achieving his ambitions.

With the support of Pathways Adam was able to quickly develop his English language skills and then go on to complete a BTEC in Business and Information Technology.  After completing these courses Adam is now in the process of applying for University to study International Relations and continue his education.

Throughout his studies, with support and encouragement from Pathways, Adam has been an active volunteer in the Croydon Community. Pathways helped Adam to undertake voluntary work to give back to the community and support causes that he believed in.

Abi Webb, Keyworker and Manager at Croydon for Pathways explains, “On meeting Adam you could see he had huge potential and energy. We worked to help him direct this energy into his education and his participation in the local community.”

While at Croydon College Adam founded a campaign called ‘Green Hope’ raising awareness of environmental issues and practices and worked with the college to implement environmental policies.  He then went on to achieve a VFifty award for completing 50 hours of volunteering. He is also part of the Youth Action Team working on projects such as bringing old and young people together and educating young people on the environment.

Pathways works hard to play a positive role in caring for and guiding young people along their individual Pathway. This often means going above and beyond the basics of service delivery and providing real emotional support and encouragement.

“When I had finished 50 hours of voluntary work Croydon Voluntary Action nominated me for an award. I told my Pathways carer about it, and she dropped everything on a Saturday to come and support me and watch me receive my award. It was then that I realised the people at Pathways aren’t there because they are getting paid for their jobs. It means so much more to them than that”.

Pathways has worked with Adam to help him move into private sector rented accommodation and he continues to do voluntary work, and one day hopes to become a human rights lawyer. Adam is thankful for everything Pathways has done for him: “Thank God Pathways were there for me. They offered me all sorts of help and support. Their encouragement and inspiration has helped me believe in myself, and makes me want to be a better person.” Adam feels much more independent now, and he is confident about his future.

If you would like to download a PDF version of this case study please click here.

Photo by Howard Davies www.eye-camera.com

Seeing the Potential Within

This case study provides a brief insight into the journey of a young woman from Burundi and her participation in the Pathways to Independence program. Her identity is protected within the case study using a pseudonym.

Francine left Burundi 17 years ago fleeing war conflict to the Republic of Congo but met further conflict there and was forced to flee again, to the UK in 2002. Her journey was tough and after arriving in the UK she was taken into a foster family. At 16, after leaving foster care Francine was alone and in need of emotional support, direction and guidance. Pathways to Independence (Pathways) started working with Francine and her pathway began.

Francine explains, “Pathways were the first people to really understand and recognise the real me and my ambitions and hopes. They saw me for who I really was.  They gave me the basic support of accommodation, access to education, healthcare and legal advice but what they really provided was true emotional support.  The best way I can describe Pathways is as a family, a mother – caring and kind, a father – offering direction and guidance, a brother and sister who I can chat to and share my fears and hopes with. A family.”

Pathways worked with Francine to establish a pathway and identify the elements of support she needed as an individual. Using Pathway’s own Independent Living Skills Programme Francine was able to create clear vision as to where she wanted to get to and how she would get there.

Francine comments, “My real journey started with Pathways. This is when I felt I could really be the person I wanted to become. Pathways helped me see the bright light, see the pathway clearly. I felt like I was going from zero to something, from dark to light and from emptiness to fulfilment.”

Pathways work hard to understand the real person and their motivations, hopes and fears. Through this person-centred approach Pathways can help young people to realise their potential and fully integrate into their UK community. Pathways are fully committed to multi-agency working and believe this to be a critical component in the services they deliver. Alice Conroy, Founder and Managing Director of Pathways worked with Francine from the start of her journey: “By working with other agencies and organisations we can draw on so much expertise to help support young people. Francine is a great example of what we can achieve working together. I could see her potential and wanted to ensure she was able to make the most of her education.”

Working with guidance and support from Pathways and with her own significant drive and resources Francine went on to successfully complete her ‘AS’ and ‘A’ Levels and has just completed a degree in humanities at Brighton University. Throughout this time Francine has worked to support herself and also volunteered to provide support back into her community.

Francine is still very much in contact with Pathways and continuing her journey: Francine comments, “Pathways are still there for me even though I finished my pathway with them some time ago.  They have helped me find my house, find the right courses for university and so much more. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

If you would like to download a PDF version of this case study please click here.