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Student who came to UK as asylum seeker wins national award

A young 海角直播 student who was unable to speak a word of English when he first came to this country has gone on to win a national award for his educational achievements.

Yacouba Traore, from Stockton, arrived in the UK aged just 16 seeking asylum as an unaccompanied minor following the murder of his parents who were political activists in the Ivory Coast. Now studying at 海角直播, he has won the Fostering Achievement for Education Award to be presented at The Fostering Network鈥檚 annual Fostering Excellence Awards in London.

After moving in with his foster family as a teenager he learned English, which became his third fluent language. He went on to become a member of his local children in care council and studied his way towards higher education where he is currently studying a degree in information technology.

He said: 'My foster carers took me into their home and they treat me like one of their own children. They were always there to support me when I was finding things difficult. They went above and beyond their remit to give me the emotional stability and support I so badly needed. Through their support and encouragement,

'I have progressed from being unable to speak English, to study for my computing course at 海角直播.'

He added: 'They have been supportive and encouraging people in my life and I would like to thank them all.'

Kevin Williams, chief executive of The Fostering Network, said: 'We are delighted that Yacouba is one of this year鈥檚 Fostering Achievement in Education winners. He has overcome so much to get where he is today, and is a real inspiration to others.

'As well as working hard on his academic achievements, he always makes time to give back to the community. From being a peer mentor for younger children, to an active participant in The Fostering Network鈥檚 Inspiring Voices programme, there isn鈥檛 much that this outstanding young man won鈥檛 do to help others.

'Yacouba鈥檚 story also illustrates the importance of finding the right foster family for young asylum seekers who turn up alone in the UK, and who need stability, commitment and skilled help to overcome their traumatic experiences.'

The Fostering Excellence Awards celebrate excellence and outstanding achievement in fostering. Awards are also given to foster carers, their sons and daughters and social workers for their contributions.

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