Shqiponja's story

Shqiponja has been a foster carer for five years and has looked after a young refugee from Afghanistan

Shqiponja has been a foster carer for five years and has looked after a young refugee from Afghanistan. 

She said: “My foster son escaped from the Taliban and had a six-month journey to come here. I am very proud of him. He has connected well with people and has made a lot of friends and is very independent. 

“He is going to university next week. He is moving on and I will miss him, but I am happy for him.”

Shqiponja has an encouraging message for those that want to become foster carers but may be hesitant to take the first step. 

She said: “Do not to be scared, sometimes people tell me they would be scared to foster. Treat the child like your birth children.  It is rewarding and if they don’t appreciate you straight away, they will appreciate you later on in life and remember you. They will come to appreciate you.”