Abdelhai Haroon Yahya fled Sudan and arrived in the UK in 2023, seeking safety from conflict, persecution, and economic hardship following the outbreak of war in April 2023. Like many asylum seekers, Abdelhai faced the daunting challenges of adapting to a new language, culture, and environment, and at first, he often felt isolated.
Everything began to change when he discovered FODI’s Wednesday Drop-In. At his first visit for registration, Abdelhai found a welcoming space filled with fellow Sudanese asylum seekers, where he could speak his own language and share experiences with people who truly understood him. This connection gave him a sense of belonging, and he soon became a regular at the drop-in sessions.
Eager to engage more with the community, Abdelhai also joined the Secret Garden Project, spending his Tuesdays gardening. This gave him not only a peaceful escape from his daily challenges but also an opportunity to contribute and feel purposeful.
Determined to build a new life, Abdelhai started attending ESOL classes in FODI and after a while, he also enrolled at Sunderland College to learn English. With each passing day, his skills and confidence grew, helping him navigate life in the UK and integrate into his new community.
After nearly a year of waiting, Abdelhai received his leave to remain in the UK at the end of 2024. FODI continued to support him during this exciting new chapter, providing household essentials and furniture for his new home, ensuring he had a strong foundation to start fresh.
Abdelhai’s determination to stand on his own feet soon led him to seek employment. With FODI’s support, including a reference letter highlighting his dedication as a volunteer, he successfully secured a position with Amazon Seasonal Jobs, marking the start of an independent and promising future.
Abdelhai’s journey is a testament to resilience, community support, and the power of small steps.