An Interview with Pouria, Risers Graduate and Breadwinner

Pouria managing his stall at Primrose Hill Market.

This week, volunteer Angela interviewed one of our Risers graduates and Breadwinners stall manager, Pouria, about his experience with Breadwinners, challenges he has faced and what his hopes are for his future and the future of the world.

A: Tell me about your experience with Breadwinners so far.

P: I have had a fantastic experience with Breadwinners so far. I started in 2018 with the Risers program and grew in the role to become a stall manager.

A: What have you enjoyed most in Breadwinners, and what would you change about it if you could?

P: I enjoy every aspect of Breadwinners. The mission to help young [refugees and young people seeking asylum] and give them their first UK job experience is very important and I think it would be nice to see the charity grow and expand in the UK or even abroad.

A: What has been your toughest moment at Breadwinners?

P: The toughest moment was at the beginning of my experience because I [had only been] in England for roughly three months and I had to build confidence, get to know new people and speak a new language!

A: How has having a mentor supported you?

P: My mentor is very nice. She helps me with a lot of things, from job applications to getting the papers done for getting my driving license.

Pouria (left) with Hassan (centre), our Operations Co-ordinator, and Charlotte (right), our Programmes Manager, on a Breadwinners day trip to the Quadrangle Trust in Kent.

A: What would you like to do in the future?

P: My first goal is getting better at English. Then, I want to become a doctor because I want to help people. Recently, I also interviewed with the Red Cross and my application have been accepted!

A: What do you think is the best skill you have learnt through Breadwinners?

P: I learned to build a network and to have possibilities [opportunities]. For example, Breadwinners invited us all to a university open day and it was really inspiring.

A: What are your hobbies?

I love cooking everything!

[You can find Pouria’s recipes on our blog, such as his Feta and Watermelon Brushetta]

A: What would you wish the world would understand about refugees and people seeking asylum?

P: [I wish more people would] give opportunities to refugees and trust them, so they can thrive.

A: What is your favourite type of bread and why?

P: My favourite bread is the traditional Iranian flat bread. I also like artisan bread. In Iran, I used to eat flat bread five days a week and artisan bread for the rest of the week.

Thank you to Pouria and Angela for this lovely interview. Pouria’s responses have been lightly edited for clarity.