After Jane’s* parents were involved in a fatal car crash, her ‘aunt’ brought her from Nigeria to Ireland at the age of 14 under the premise that she would be able to have a better life. However, on arrival and for a year following, Jane was subjected solely to domestic servitude. Though an extremely timid and gentle girl, Jane managed to escape and came into the care of the HSE. She was placed into a foster family where she was happily involved in all normal aspects of family and school life. She and the other children in the house were treated equally and enjoyed taking summer holidays together. This family life however, came to an end soon after Jane turned 18 as she was transferred to a Direct Provision centre. This drastic change left Jane feeling like she was ‘excluded from the world’.
Jane came to Nasc for help and we assisted her in securing a place at a local college to study a QQI Level 5 course. This was not an easy process as the college initially categorised Jane as an international student required to pay international student fees. We were able to advocate for a change of student status and Nasc has supported Jane in the payment of her college fees.
In addition to paying for Jane’s college fees, Nasc provided Jane with the necessary books, a uniform for her studies, transport costs and spending money to pay for lunch during the week when she is not in the Direct Provision centre.
Jane is flourishing in education and completed the Level 5 course with outstanding grades. Having recently completed 2 weeks of work experience at a local hospice for the elderly where she built up good relationships with most of the staff and residence, she has now graduated onto a QQI Level 6 course.
