Bana's Story

Bana*, originally from Eritrea, moved into the Cardinal Hume Centre in May 2021. She had come to the UK a few months before seeking asylum at 18 years old.

She is very shy and, because of adverse experiences, cautious with new acquaintances. Since coming to the Centre she has flourished academically and socially, and has grown considerably in confidence.

With Gail, our Life Skills co-ordinator she has learned to cook a wide range of dishes, from curry to homemade pizza and stroganoff. When she asked Gail to teach her how to roast a chicken, a memorable hostel event followed with a full roast dinner enjoyed by eight residents.

When ESOL teacher, Jenny, realised Bana was keen to learn how to cook lasagna, she arranged a lesson based around cooking vocabulary. The end result was growing trust, new English vocabulary and a delicious lasagna to fill Bana’s fridge.

“Having Life skills and ESOL help in the same place is really good. Not having to travel helps and I feel they are connected."

As trust grew, Bana reached out to Jenny and asked for help with her Functional Skills English Reading exam. These exams are essential for young people preparing for studying and work. Having already failed it twice, Bana needed to pass on her third sitting.

“I was struggling to pass my functional reading exam and Jenny helped me. It was very hard for me to understand the questions. Once I had help from Jenny I felt so much more confident and passed. Also, she helped me with my assignment. She is very helpful.”

With the continued support of Amy; her keyworker in the hostel, Gail and Jenny, Bana continues to push through life’s challenges and gain valuable life skills along the way

“In the future I want to be a nurse, particularly a diabetic nurse. To be able to help people like me.”

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The featured image is of Life Skill's Coordinator Gail in the hostel kitchen, Bana is not pictured