Amanuel travelled to the UK from Ethiopia when he was just a teenager. He’s been living in our supported accommodation for a year and a half and with help from his Project Worker, he’s embraced everything about YMCA.
Amanuel arrived in the UK knowing very little English. He said that his hardest challenge has been learning the language and being able to communicate with other people here. He practices speaking English as much as he can and has quickly progressed through the levels of ESOL (English for speakers of another language). He also dreams of being a mechanical engineer in the future and hopes to start studying for this as soon as he can.
When we asked Amanuel about his time at YMCA, he told us:
“YMCA for me represents home. I spend a lot of my time here and they help me get through life – the good and the bad. The best part about living here is that I’ve been able to make new friends, there are even some other residents from Ethiopia so I can communicate easily with them.”
Amanuel has also made it through to the finals of the national YMCA Youth Matters Awards in the Young Achiever of the Year category. Jessica, Amanuel’s Support Coach, nominated him for his recent triumphs which include bravely learning how to swim with some of his friends at YMCA, excelling in work experience and taking part in events with the wider community. Jessica tells us more below:
“Amanuel is an impeccable young man who stays positive and keeps trying no matter what challenges he faces. He’s always keen to learn more and embraces what’s around him.
“He is very studious and maintains high college attendance. His tutors have nothing but praise for his academic achievements. Amanuel has also recently graduated from a local leadership programme for displaced young people where he learnt about leadership, legal rights, how to create change and support others.”
Amanuel told us that he’s proud of himself for being a finalist in the Youth Matters Awards. He tries to do new things all the time and even when facing obstacles, he finds a way around them with a smile.
Amanuel is known for treating everyone like family. He has a close group of friends and told us that while he doesn’t have many friends, “if you are his friend, you are friends for life”.
We’re really excited to see what Amanuel achieves next and will keep you updated with how he gets on in the Youth Matters Awards this November.
