Presenting an awards show to an audience of 60 people was beyond the wildest dreams of two teenage refugees who arrived in the United Kingdom as asylum seekers from war-torn Sierra Leone.
The Tottenham Hotspur Foundation made it happen through the care leavers’ programme.
Fatima Barrie and Fatima Sowe, both 17, have just emerged from care in Haringey and last year were taken under the wing of the THF. Lauren Black runs the children in care and care leavers’ programmes. She explained how the two Fatimas got involved with the programme
“It started off initially when their social worker put them forward and said these are two girls who are both new to the country,” she said. “Their social worker said it would be like a great confidence boost for them.
“So they came to the first initial session. I remember they both sat there and they were quiet and didn’t want to join in, lacking in confidence it seemed. But they were the only two that ended up actually remaining until the end.
“They struck me as two young girls who they just needed that confidence boost, I think.
And now they’ve got it and then got gone on to amazing things so. They took the opportunity and ran with it.”
Hosting an awards show for the THF was the culmination of their transformation.
Fatima Barrie said: “When we hosted the show, I was really nervous. The Foundation has helped a lot in so many different ways because before getting involved I was getting into difficulties. There were so many things that I didn’t know, but when I got involved with the THF they help a lot, they helped taking us around, helped us in our education. So much support.
“It would have been very difficult without the support of the Foundation. I would really encourage other people to get involved with the programme. It’s been so helpful.”
And Fatima Sowe said: “It’s really boosted my confidence because before I didn’t really have that or much self-esteem. When I did the hosting it really helped me a lot.”
So what message do they have for the THF staff?
Fatima Barrie said: “I will tell them you’re doing a really great job. And they should keep doing it because it helps a lot. I would tell other young people out there to join us because it’s quite fun and helpful for us. It has transformed our lives.”
Both young women are now studying Health and Social Care at The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL).
The THF also helps the pair with finding work experience and are due to help out the club on a matchday with roles in hospitality and catering.
