NEWS & BLOG

But that is not where it ends – I want to be a model. I want to be involved in fashion, photoshoots and runways! Now that I have refugee status and permission to stay, I can’t wait to work. I am very excited about my future and continuing life in London with West London Welcome by my side. 

I have a big family: six sisters and three brothers. I am the eldest of the sisters and I am especially close to them, but none are in the UK with me. I have a Bachelor’s degree in real estate and logistical transport in Senegal. I liked university but life in Senegalese society was not easy. I experienced threats and stigma because of reasons I’d rather not specify – from my school, my family, from everyone. My life was in danger and I had to leave for my safety.

I came to the UK with a travel visa 9 months ago and claimed asylum as soon as I got here. Even though I was by myself, I was still so happy. I lived at an asylum hotel which was good- apart from the food… luckily, I made some friends there and they introduced me to West London Welcome. Here, I can get fresh groceries so that I can cook for myself again. I absolutely love to cook – and to eat! My favourite dishes are Thiebou Diemne, Yassa, couscous and Mafe Senegal – a traditional Senegalese dish. 

The groceries and delicious meals are just one of many great things about West London Welcome. Everyone is so kind and so social. All of the community members are different. There are many different languages and walks of life. It is refreshing to meet new people and be a part of a diverse community group. I love my classes, the teachers and the caseworkers. They give me advice, helped me find work and give me support. Recently they helped me enrol for English courses at college alongside my classes here. I am learning so much. 

Other than cooking, one of my favourite things to do is travel – my friends and I have been all over the UK: Birmingham, Reading, Leicester- and soon I plan on going to the beach!