Shadia and Martin on Problem Busters Podcast!
Problem Busters Podcast is all about highlighting people with ideas, to help solve the biggest and the smallest of problems. Jonathan and Oliver recently spoke to Shadia - a graduate of the Risers, Breadwinners and Proofers Programmes - about herself, her time with Breadwinners, and what advice she would give others who are moving to the UK.
In the podcast Shadia describes the challenges of moving to the UK, as well as those she experienced in her different roles at Breadwinners. As her third language, after Arabic and Somali, serving customers as a Market Manager was difficult and scary at first. However, she built her confidence throughout the programme, and with the help of her mentor.
It was with her mentor that she developed an ‘older sister’ type relationship. The first time they met for a falafel, Shadia describes feeling nervous, but their relationship grew as they started meeting every week in a different location around London so she could learn about different places.
When asked to describe what Breadwinners is like and why it exists, Shadia describes Breadwinners as like a family.
“[Breadwinners] is somewhere like a family. I feel... so comfortable inside because I know the people, I know who they are, I know what they do.”
Shadia shares what she has learnt and her advice to others
Studying to become a criminal psychologist and currently looking for a job as a teaching assistant, Shadia has exciting plans for the future. Whilst describing herself as hungry for more success, she is also very proud of what she has achieved so far. Her advice to a young person who has just arrived in the UK would be not to rush. It takes time to find the right job, so be patient. Sit and think about what you want to do and study, and what your journey might look like. Shadia knows that in a new country with a new language and people it is easy to feel lost, so advises other to focus on language and don’t be afraid to go out and talk to people without rushing - you won’t be judged. You have years ahead and everything will be alright.
When people who live in the UK meet someone who is new to the country, Shadia hopes that they will not judge people and will try to understand them and think about what they have been through. She asks that people remember that everyone has their own problems, so try to not be hard on them and to talk.
Martin also had time to shine!
Our Director Martin also had his own chat with Oliver and Jonathan, where they discussed all things Breadwinners, some of the challenges that refugees experience in the UK, and even delve into Martin’s background! Martin tells us how he would describe Breadwinners in one sentence at a dinner party and shares how Breadwinners became what it is today.
Huge thank you to Oliver and Jon from Problem Busters Podcast for taking the time to learn all about Breadwinners and to delve into Shadia and Martin’s experiences. You can listen to both episodes on the Problem Busters Podcast website.
Listen to Martin’s full episode below!