Celebrating Mother’s Day – Mariam’s story

Today, on Mother’s Day, we wanted to share the story of one of the amazing mums we’ve met through our work – pictured here with her daughter and one of our lovely London volunteers, Rosie!

Mariam has been a refugee since she was a child, having spent her whole life escaping war in East Africa. Her daughter is just four and was born in a refugee camp. Their story is hard and full of heartbreak, but through sheer determination to give her child a better life, Mariam made it to the U.K after a year of living on the streets in Belgium. The journey across the channel was dangerous and terrifying for both of them – but they made it.

Finally, after being dispersed around several different hotels and cities, they have a nice semi-permanent home, with a garden, whilst they await their Home Office interview. For the first time in their lives, they have a sense of stability. It has been a year of ‘firsts’ for Mariam’s daughter – her first Xmas tree, her first home, and her first ever snowman (Olaf – she is crazy about the Frozen films) when we had so much snow last month.

In every city the family have been moved to, we have always ensured they received continuous love, friendship, care and support from our amazing Care4Calais volunteers. They are happy and grateful to have been so far protected in the U.K., and when lockdown ends, Mariam would like the chance to visit the library, join the local church and go to college to improve her English skills. Her daughter started school last week and is already making friends!

Mariam and her little girl have demonstrated that they are smart, resilient and determined, and have so much to offer. They love living here and they hope and pray their application for asylum will be granted, so that they can look forward to a future of safety and happiness.

We are in awe of all the mothers who have given up so much for their children to give them a safe home and a happy life. We send our love and support for all those who are separated from their loved ones, unable to be with their mothers or their children today. You are always in our thoughts.

To support our work, go to Care4Calais.org/donate.