Employability and skills provider
BCHA is helping a group of unaccompanied teenagers who fled Afghanistan and Iraq to build a safe and successful future in the UK.
The six young men aged between 15 and 18, left the security of their families to escape economic hardship and tough political regimes in their home countries and are now living under the supervision and support of Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (BCP) Council, while they apply for refugee status.
BCHA is helping the youngsters to build their skills and confidence and prepare them to enter further education and work, through its Steps2Success programme.
Val Jefferies, project manager at BCHA Learn, said: “Steps2Success is designed to help young people who are not in education or work by giving them a wide range of experiences and skills, including basic cooking, horticulture and the practical support they need for entry into employment.
“Our course tutors are adapting Steps2Success to fit the needs of this group of young people and together with identifying their existing skills and support needs, we are improving their knowledge of their local area, helping them integrate into their new home and giving them a head start on their education.
“This, together with English language classes and one-to-one coaching to boost their confidence, will set them on a steady path towards employment.”
The younger members of the group are being hosted by local families, with the older boys living in supported lodging.
Naibullah, 15, is the youngest member of the group. He said: “I am living with a very kind family. The teachers are also very nice and I am making new friends.”