The plate was piled high with chicken, rice, and salad – a typical meal for us. But for H, a 16-year-old unaccompanied asylum-seeking child from Ethiopia, it was a feast. He had just arrived in the UK and, as he looked at the generous portion, he couldn’t help but ask, ‘Is this for all of us?’ This simple question, born from his experiences in a land where food scarcity is a reality, struck a chord within me. I felt a profound sadness, a recognition of the vast disparities that exist in our world.
I, along with my family, have always been deeply connected to the act of fostering. My aunt, a pillar of our family, dedicated 30 years of her life to opening her home to children from all corners of the globe. Our Christmases and Mother’s Days were vibrant celebrations, filled with the laughter and love of the children she had fostered, returning to her home as family. It was witnessing this profound impact on their lives that solidified my own desire to foster.
Now, as I embark on my own fostering journey, I am deeply moved by the resilience and spirit of H. He has endured an arduous journey, filled with hardship and fear. Traveling by foot, crammed into the back of a lorry, and braving a dangerous sea crossing in an overcrowded boat, he has faced unimaginable trauma.
His story is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. The UK is currently struggling with a shortage of foster carers, leaving many children in desperate need of a safe and loving home. According to DfE figures, as of March 31, 2023, there were over 7,290 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in England, representing a staggering 9% of children in local authority care – a 40% increase since 2019.
Welcoming H into our home has been a transformative experience. We’ve witnessed his gradual emergence from his shell, his shy smile turning into boisterous laughter. He’s now an integral part of our family, sharing meals, jokes, and music with my two teenage children. His journey has also been a poignant reminder of how much we take for granted. Simple expressions of gratitude, like “I feel thankful to God I’m here,” have become profound moments of reflection for us.
The challenges, however, are not to be ignored. H’s trauma manifests in unexpected ways. A visit to a local lake, filled with boats, triggered a flood of memories from his harrowing journey. A simple ice cream cone brought a sudden wave of unease.
The experience has taught me that fostering an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to navigate uncharted territories. Thankfully, organizations like Barnardo’s provide invaluable training and support to foster parents, equipping us with the tools to help children heal and thrive.
H’s journey is a testament to the power of compassion and the enduring strength of the human spirit. His resilience inspires us to create a more welcoming and supportive world for all children seeking refuge. If you are considering fostering, I urge you to reach out to organizations like Barnardo’s. It is an experience that will forever change your life.
