Hear A’s story about their Transformation in Clara’s care ♡
The below is an extract of a letter written by one of our children, A. Her name has been anonymised to protect her identity.
Hi my name is A and I am 19 years old. I currently work in a nursery as a level 3 apprentice for a level 3 nursery practitioner role. I lived with Clara whom I call “Aunty” for almost 4 years. When I first arrived at Clara’s house, I wasn’t very good at following instructions. I was quite rude in my day to day language and I hadn’t matured. I was a scared child looking for some direction in my life.
Over the course of living with Clara, she had taught me general manners to be polite and respectful to every individual , she also taught me to put my education first. Clara’s English wasn’t very good but she still sat down with me and helped me with any school, college or job applications. Clara would also sit on my bed and not move until I got to school because I used to refuse going a lot.
Most of my first milestones I achieved with Clara’s help. I used to refuse her help a lot but as I grew older I realised all she wants is the best for me. Ever since I was a child I felt like my voice is never heard when certain situations occur but Clara, whether I was in the right or wrong she always had my back and also told me off when I was in fault.
In previous Foster placements, I never felt secure so I felt the need to run away from that situation it didn’t make me feel safe but at Clara’s, I felt very safe knowing I had not just her but her family as my family too.
Ever since moving out of Clara’s home, in my day to day activities what Clara has taught me for the past 4 years has become really useful, such as I copy Clara’s example of always having a tidy and clean home, I can also cook certain recipes Clara has shown me. I even knew how to use an oven and air fryer because of Clara’s help teaching me!
As a young teenager, I couldn’t manage money very well but now as an young adult I can confidently say my bills and food are priority before anything else and I have Clara to thank for that she has been a wonderful role model and I am forever grateful for her looking after me and helping me become the best I can be in this life.
I would highly recommend other foster children to be placed in Clara’s care because not only have I had an amazing time living with her she has benefited me in ways I am forever thankful for whether that’s in my home life, work life or future. I always had a fear that Clara would not be in contact with me when I turned 18 as a lot of people have abandoned me in my life but she has always stayed in touch with me since I have left, she often visits and brings me my favourite food which is her pilau rice and she never forgets my birthday or Christmas. Give her an award please she deserves it!
