The personal story of an asylum seeker working hard to prove the public wrong
June 18th, 2009 by Constance Posted in Asylum-seekersHello, my name’s Constance and I’m an asylum seeker from Cameroon who has been living in Cardiff, South Wales, for the past four years. When I first arrived in the UK in 2005 life was extraordinarily strange. I didn’t know anybody, didn’t have anything to do and I wasn’t allowed to work. It was like being mentally tortured. For these reasons I wanted to contribute to my local community, so I decided to concentrate my efforts on doing some voluntary activities with Refugee Voice Wales and the Black Association of Women Step Out, as well as interpreting and translating up and down Wales.
Those activities were the key to more doors opening and opportunities arising which allowed me to become more involved in my community. From these beginnings as a volunteer I’m now a trustee of two organisations. I am also currently attending a human rights advocacy course for asylum seekers and refugee women organised and funded by Oxfam and led by Harris Nyatsanza.
It’s a great opportunity for me to learn new skills and to help women empower themselves, to make their voices heard, to acquire skills to advocate and lobby on issues that female refugees and asylum seekers face in their daily lives and, above all, to learn some skills so that I can get involved in the decision making process.
Having gained so much, I hope to give my utmost to help other women in the same situation as me to stand up for themselves, to own their own destiny by being involved in the decision making process, to work towards integration and to give their time to their local community through different voluntary activities.
There is a perception in the UK that refugees come to this country to enjoy the benefits and give nothing back to the local community. Volunteering can help change that perception. I only wish that I was given the right to work and to further prove those critics wrong.
On this special week, a week where we celebrate refugees, I do appreciate immensely what different charities, organisations and individuals are doing to raise awareness of the issues that refugees are facing, the contribution they are making(culturally,economically and socially) in the UK. But, despite this great event, one week will never be enough to change the public’s mind about refugees. Instead we need to work every week.
When I look back I don’t know where I would have been and what I would have become without the support, friendship and love of the people of Wales. My little family and me will forever be grateful, so thank you for everything.
The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Oxfam GB.
9 Responses to “The personal story of an asylum seeker working hard to prove the public wrong”
By debi on Jun 19, 2009
Wow Constance, this is a really powerful statement – I hope that many other women asylum seekers read this and gain strength and inspiration from your commitment and actions.
I’m so happy to be your friend and to have you, and the boys, as part of my community here in the UK.
Much love,
debi xxx
By Helena on Jun 19, 2009
Dear Constance remember how we met three years ago now? I suppose you were a fresh arrival in the UK then… The lady in the hat with the lovely smile, so sweet tempered and quiet, I had yet to discover your delicious sense of humor and the accute inteligence which is now so much admider by all.
Your new little family was an acheivement that made you stronger and gave you a purpose in life when everything else seemed so impossible. And now look at you! Enterprising, active, driving others to raly to your humanitarian cause… you are an inspiration woman! I am so honored to be your friend!
The Boss was the nick name you gave me at the time, but now you are your own boss, you hold your future in your hands, you have turned the table arround! No one can stop you now, you are a voice that I am sure will soon be heard loud and clear in the world wherever there are are refugees, asylum seekers or migrant workers in need of assistance. You are only beggining but we are all here to follow you!
By Sophie Stephens on Jun 20, 2009
Constance, your words ring true for so many people up and down Britain. I think it is important that people seeking sanctuary in the UK have the strength to stand up together and use their voice to make change. You are the perfect example.
The point that spoke loudest to me was your insistance that people seeking sanctuary and refugees should make change for themselves. Not to be passive but to be active and through this action to gain the power for change.
Britain has a proud history of granting sanctuary to those fleeing persecution and it is up to you, me and every refugee and every local British citizen to keep reminding ourselves and our government of that tradition. I hope your testimony inspires others to be as active and influential as you.
Sophie
Sanctuary Organiser, CITIZENS for Sanctuary
By Dr Olivia Baiete-Coker on Jun 21, 2009
Well done, Constance. I do not doubt your integrity, I’m sure its the beginning of things to come.
By Reynette on Jun 21, 2009
Hello Constance,
Great words form a great lady. i hope that all your plans for working with others for others goes well. I know you make friends and get support where ever you go.
I am glad to have met you and that I get to see you so much! I certainly look forward to working with you in the future- move over Superman
Reynette
By Maria on Jun 21, 2009
Constance, what can I say after all you have experienced in 5 years. I met you 3 years ago, I have seen you struggle and jump hoops, but most of all I have seen you grow into this amazing human being, always with high hopes and optimism, I wish I could live up to your standards, you are a fantastic role model for all of us women and for everyone who wants to change this world for the better, your commitment and belive is felt in Cardiff and Wales. I am very lucky to be your friend.
Keep the fire burning. Together in the struggle.
Maria Constanza
By stepheni on Jun 22, 2009
Wow !…Constance your story is the same for all of us….different backgrounds and cultures,but the same battles and struggles we have to face.I only met you a couple of months ago….but what an inspiration and a great example you are especially for new asylum seeking and refugee women, and for me personally a blessing to have met you.Together we can make a difference,brake barriers,overcome and sucseed not just for ourselves but also for our children and those who might join us in the future.
By Gareth Camilo on Jul 20, 2009
You give inspiration. Your message is given with power. The comments that follow your message are a demonstration of what you mean to the community, the richness you bring to it and how important you are to many people. Importantly what you demonstrate Constance is what all asylum seekeers and refugees can bring to the communities they settle in. So Wales can also be thankful and grateful for what you have brought to us.
By Family Income Benefit Insurance on Feb 10, 2010
You have totally changed my mind on the way I think towards asylum seekers. I truly wish you well.