As part of our ongoing commitment to amplifying the voices of our grant holders, we launched a new pilot project in collaboration with PhotoVoice, a social enterprise specialising in photographic storytelling.
We ran a two-day workshop where the staff and young people supported by one of our grant holders, Breadwinners, learned digital storytelling techniques and had the chance to tell their own stories through photography, in their own way. Breadwinners is a London-based charity supporting young refugees and asylum seekers to access new skills, develop confidence and secure work opportunities. They do this through their training programmes and weekly markets, where the young people sell bread, make new connections and build community. We spoke to Bemnet, a Breadwinners participant, about her career goals, getting a new job and being in the present moment.
Hi, it’s great to meet you, Bemnet. Please can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi, I’m Bemnet, I’m 23, and I live in west London. I love spending time with my friends, and being around the people I love. I’m trying to find new hobbies and skills at the moment – I love reading and developing my make-up skills.
So, tell us how you came to be involved with Breadwinners…
It was through a mutual friend, actually. She had participated in one of the programmes and told me about it. I wanted to join, it sounded really interesting. At the time, I wasn’t in college and I was at home all the time, I didn’t have a job, I didn’t have school, I was stuck in my room. She told me that if I joined, it would help me with many things. She told me that they would train me, to help me get a job, and find new hobbies, connect with new organisations… She seemed to be enjoying it, and so that’s why I signed up. I saw the good things that were happening for her.
Copyright, Bemnet 2024 | Photovoice | The Henry Smith Charity | Funding Impact Photography | UK
What sorts of things have you been involved with at Breadwinners?
I’ve attended training sessions to help prepare for interviews, as well as the markets – that’s the best part! In Sudan, I used to work in restaurants. I had a bit of experience, but here, it’s different – I have to speak to customers face to face. It gives me more confidence and has helped my communication skills.
Can you tell me about a memorable training session you’ve attended?
I enjoyed the session on budgeting. It included information on how to plan for university, and included information on benefits we can access. I am planning to apply to study business, especially digital marketing.
“[The Breadwinners Programme] helped me to set goals, and I’ve achieved most of them!”
You mentioned you’ve developed your confidence and your communication skills since joining breadwinners. Is there anything else you feel has changed for you as a result of joining the programme?
Yes, we have mentors as part of the programme, mine is a very nice person. She has helped me to join other clubs, outside of the Breadwinners programme. There’s one group, Babylon, that I found out about through Breadwinners. With them, I went to the zoo, and met people outside my circle. It helped me to make friends and meet people from different cultures and countries. I have stayed in touch with some of the people I met on that trip.
Would you say there’s been any change to your well-being since joining Breadwinners?
I would say mentally, yes, as it helped me to set goals, and I’ve achieved most of them! At the beginning, when I met with my mentor, I set the goals. Afterwards, we checked back, and I had achieved most of them. I wanted to start a new job, improve my confidence, enrol in college, and learn more English. My mentor was telling me that my English is very good. It has helped me to talk a lot more.
What has been your experience of participating in the photography workshops with PhotoVoice?
The experience has been amazing. I didn’t expect it to be this good. When I came here in the morning, I was expecting it to be a bit boring – but I have found it really interesting. It has made me start seeing things differently. For example, I took a picture of a tree in flower, and I hadn’t noticed that before. Then afterwards, on my way home, I began noticing all the trees, paying attention when I was walking around. I think this is important: I’m learning that we need to observe more, to enjoy the moments when they are here, and enjoy the present more fully”.
“I began noticing all the trees, paying attention when I was walking around. I think this is important: I’m learning that we need to observe more, to enjoy the moments when they are here, and enjoy the present more fully”.
Copyright, Bemnet 2024 | Photovoice | The Henry Smith Charity | Funding Impact Photography | UK
Tell me about your other photos.
The first photo [below] is of my skincare. I love doing my everyday routine, it helps keep my skin healthy and keeps me motivated and happy. It’s such a simple thing, but it can really transform my day if I just take that time in the morning to look after myself and take care of my wellbeing. It’s a good place to start.
My second photo [see main image at top of interview] represents the change I’ve experienced since joining Breadwinners. I took this photo in the mirror before going to work that evening. This is the biggest change that has happened to me. The photo is of me in my work uniform, because I’m very proud of myself. I started a new job as a waiter after joining Breadwinners, which helped me a lot by training me for work and helping me to construct my CV. I love my new work!
To become a volunteer mentor with Breadwinners, visit the link below.
You can also read Sarah’s story, another participant in the workshop, on the Breadwinners website
Author: Ellen Rowland, Communications Manager
Main Image: © Copyright Bemnet, 2024