Bridging the Gap: A Story of Support and Belonging with Da'aro Youth Project

These are the words from a young person who has been using the services of Da’aro Youth Project for 11 months.

When I first arrived in the UK from Ethiopia, I felt incredibly isolated and alone. I found it

difficult to connect with other young people as I was not attending college or school and was

placed in Oxford. I was depressed in Oxford due to my isolation. I was referred to Da’aro

Youth Project through a partner organisation in Oxford, and upon moving to London, I started

to attend Injera Club.

Since attending the weekly Injera Club sessions, my confidence has grown significantly. I

feel more at ease communicating with young people, and my language skills have improved

considerably. I have met many young people of a similar background at Injera Club and now

have a friendship group I regularly spend time with, which has made me very happy. It is

nice for me to be around people from my home country. When I first came to the UK, I did

not think there were any other Ethiopians. Injera Club has been the most impactful on my

mental health; after spending time at the youth club, I feel happy and wish to return soon.

Alongside attending Injera Club, I attend Thursday Youth Club with Da’aro Youth Project and

South London Refugee Association. As my confidence and language skills have improved, I

support new attendees to feel comfortable at the youth club, ensuring they are included in

activities and providing translations. I also attended an ice skating trip with Da’aro Youth

Project, during which I pushed myself to improve my skills while supporting my friends on the

ice.

I was also enrolled in college by Da’aro Youth Project staff. I attended an open day that was

advertised at Injera Club, and the staff helped me with the administrative process of

enrollment. I have now been at college for several months and am making friends. I have

completed my first round of maths and English exams and am happy with my progress.

The casework team has been hugely helpful for my asylum claim. I first attended Injera Club

without refugee status and was referred to the casework team after my second session.

Da’aro Youth Club’s caseworkers took time to provide me with a character reference that has

benefited my claim. The casework team has also supported my claim through administrative

assistance. It is due to their work that my claim has now been accepted.