'I was 17 when I had my first day of school'

Metro

2 days ago

Arriving in the UK all by myself, everything felt so new. The streets were quieter, people looked different to me, and I didn't understand what anyone was saying. For a long time, I didn't feel like I belonged anywhere.
I was just 16 and placed into care, living in a few different places. All alone, a lot of the time didn't know what was happening. It felt like I was starting from zero.
I'm originally from Eritrea in East Africa, but when I was very young, my family fled to Ethiopia due to religious persecution. I spent most of my childhood playing football with other children in the street, but by the time I was 15, it became unsafe to stay in Ethiopia because of the Tigray war. I had no choice but to leave and came to the UK in September 2024.
I was alone and had left behind everything I knew including friends, family, language, culture, and had to figure out how to survive and grow in a place that didn't feel like home. It was the hardest thing I've ever done.
Because of my immigration status, I wasn't allowed to attend school at first. That was really difficult for me. I had no routine or structure, and most days felt the same.
Thankfully through supported lodgings in Cardiff, I started living with my carers Dave and Rebecca who helped me adjust to the new environment; but even with their help, I still felt isolated and unable to be sociable with people my age.
I struggled with a lot of boredom and loneliness. I joined a few ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes, which helped a little, but it wasn't enough to feel like I had a purpose. I wanted to do more. I wanted to learn, grow and meet people my age.
It was my social worker who told me about the King's Trust and suggested I try their Explore programme, which helps young people build confidence and develop essential life skills through workshops, activities and mentoring; helping people like me move closer to education and employment.
At first, I wasn't sure. The programme was held at the King's Trust Centre in Cardiff, and even just turning up for the first time felt like a big step. I didn't know what to expect, and I was really shy. Group settings made me anxious, and I was worried I wouldn't understand what was going on. But something in me said give it a try, and I'm so glad I did.
The programme helped me find direction. I learned how to write a CV and practise interview techniques, which would help me get a job one day, but it offered more than practical skills – it gave me a sense of freedom and confidence I hadn't felt in a long time.
I remember going gorge walking with a group of other young people and being scared at first, but also excited. I had never done anything like that before. I also travelled on a train for the first time through the programme. They might seem small things, but they meant so much to me.
Making friends truly changed my life. For the first time since arriving in the UK, I felt like I had people around me who understood me, even if we didn't all speak the same language. We connected through shared experiences and encouragement.
I started to believe that I didn't have to hide or be afraid.
Now, everything feels different. I'm going to school full-time and studying six subjects – including English. I'm improving my language skills and love being able to learn. I look forward to going in every day now, to see my classmates, to take part and keep growing.
I always wanted to get an education but that wasn't a choice I had. My very first day of school was when I was 17, in Cardiff.
I also started playing football with a local team. I've always loved it and I'm a big Arsenal fan. Joining the team has given me space to clear my mind. I've even got to play in a national tournament, which was such a proud moment for me.
Today, I'm being honoured with the Delta Air Lines Breakthrough Award from the King's Trust at a big ceremony in London. It's hard to believe, as just over a year ago, I was isolated and unsure about my future and now I'm being recognised for how far I've come.
Winning the award gives me hope and reminds me that everything I've gone through has made me stronger. It felt like all the hard days, the fears and the doubts, were worth pushing through.
Looking ahead, I want to continue working hard and I have big dreams for my future. I hope to study psychology one day, so that I can support other young people like me who are facing similar challenges. It keeps me focused knowing that my hard work may eventually help someone else.
I'd also love to pursue football professionally – it's a big dream, but one I'm willing to chase. More Trending
To any young person who feels alone or stuck, I know how hard it can be. I know what it feels like to start over and to wonder if things will ever get better. I want them to know that they are strong than they think and they shouldn't give up because there are people out there who care and can help. You just have to take that first step.
I didn't do this alone. I had support from the King's Trust, my foster carers, and the amazing staff who believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. But I also had to show up and try, even when it felt scary.
For me, this is just the beginning.
Metro is a media partner for the Delta Air Lines Breakthrough Award. You can find out more about the King's Trust here.
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