Story: Diane Haimeed
16-year-old Mahya Abdullah is a Yemeni girl who came to the UK in 2001 aged 9. She was not able to speak any English and started at Hucklow Primary School in Y4. After moving to a number of schools, she settled at Firvale Secondary School in Y8.
Despite the initial issues Mahya had to face, she has successfully achieved her 14 GCSEs which included A* in Arabic, A in maths, 5 B’s and the rest C’s.
Family and friends were her biggest motivators in succeeding. She emphasised just how much the support and encouragement had influenced her greatly and without it she believes that she wouldn’t have reached her full potential. At home, her family has stressed the importance of attending school and doing well. Her friends also took the education system really seriously too and this helped increase Mahya’s determination.
Another factor that contributed to her success is the Burngreave Study Support Project at the Yemeni Community Association, which Mahya joined in Y9. She explained,
“The extra sessions and the revision classes gave me that extra confidence and help. The staff were very supportive and experienced in helping students prepare for exams.”
Mahya is really proud of her achievements and is studying maths, physics, ICT and product design A-levels at Longley Park Sixth Form. One message she strongly believes in and would like to pass on to others is:
“Have friends who are passionate in succeeding education-wise and that will be your key to open doors in the future. Also, take every opportunity available to you.”
For further details about the After- School Project, contact Diane Haimeed on 303 0141.
Educational help and support are available for young people aged 8-19 at the project.