Jean Claude

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Five Rivers Fostering directors, management, and staff for my placement in Donegal.

When I arrived in Ireland 3 years ago I was frightened. Five Rivers Fostering gave me the opportunity at a new life for myself and my new home for the next few years was in Donegal, which are 3 years I will cherish. Over the course of the 3 years I matured greatly and developed self-confidence which I did not have before. I was welcomed with open arms.

I enjoyed school in the Abbey Vocational School and was encouraged in my education at all times by my foster carers. I was also encouraged to participate in after school activities.

I used to attend NoName disco’s and after sometime I become a leader and organiser of the discos this then lead me to start attending Forogie.

Foroige offer a Albert Schweitzer Leadership for Life Programme. Basically this programme recognises the innate leadership capabilities and potential in young people and gives them an opportunity to develop their skills and attributes in a fun and encouraging environment.

The National University of Ireland, Galway, accredited Foroige’s leadership programme as a Foundation Certificate in Youth Leadership and CommunityAction. In October2013 Iattended NUIG and received my certificate for completing this course. This experience at a top Irish University really inspired me and now my goal is to achieve a Degree in Pharmaceutical Studies which I hope one day will come true.

I have seen a big change in myself since I arrived in Ireland all those years ago. The placement in Donegal suited me, it was a friendly environment and made me feel at ease from the start which was important and helped me settle in. Encouraging me in my education studies and Youth Leadership has given me the belief that I can now one day achieve my goal of attending 3rd level education.

Please feel free to share my story with other foster placement children to show that the future is infact very bright in foster placement. I have also attached my photograph taken at NUIG where I received my certificate.

Again, I would like to thank Fiver Rivers for the last number of years in their care.