Abdi’s story is one of courage, growth, and the power of mentorship. In August 2023, Abdi, a young man from Somalia, arrived in the UK via Morocco, hoping for a fresh start. As an asylum seeker, adjusting to a new country was overwhelming, but Abdi was determined to build a new life. In February 2024, he heard about Breadwinners from a fellow asylum seeker and decided to apply to become a "Riser" in the program. He was eager to get experience, gain confidence, and, of course, learn about bread.

“I was so excited for customer service,” Abdi says with a smile. “To get experience, get confidence, and learn about bread.”

For Abdi, Breadwinners was a chance to step into something new and learn valuable skills. And little did he know, it would be more than just a job – it would be a place where he would grow both personally and professionally, thanks to a mentor who believed in him.

The Power of Mentorship: Building Confidence Together

“I was so nervous at first,” Abdi admits. “But with Andreas by my side, I started to feel more confident.”

“I was so nervous at first, but with Andreas by my side, I started to feel more confident.”

— Abdi, talking about his mentor Andreas

At Breadwinners, Abdi’s journey began by shadowing market managers. For the first few weeks, he learned the ins and outs of customer service, practicing how to talk to people and develop important communication skills. But it wasn’t just the work itself that made a difference – it was the mentorship he received from Andreas that really helped Abdi take his confidence to the next level.

Andreas, a Londoner who recently switched careers from finance to the social sector, was new to mentoring a young asylum seeker. But he quickly found that mentoring wasn’t just about giving advice—it was about building a friendship and creating a safe space for Abdi to grow. Andreas encouraged Abdi to take on small challenges like explaining Breadwinners to every customer he met or asking customers if they wanted a loyalty card. Though Abdi was shy at first, these small challenges helped him break out of his shell and practice new skills.

Beyond work, their bond grew through shared moments. Whether it was grabbing coffee at a café, chatting at the park, or sharing a meal at a nearby restaurant, Andreas and Abdi’s relationship blossomed into a genuine friendship. One of Abdi’s most special moments came when he introduced Andreas to Somali food for the first time, marking a meaningful exchange of cultures.

Though their relationship was rooted in mentorship, Andreas and Abdi found common ground in many other ways, too. Both are passionate about football, especially the English Premier League, and they bonded over their favourite teams. Crystal Palace and Chelsea often dominated their early chats. But as their friendship deepened, their conversations shifted to bigger topics – like Abdi’s dreams for the future.

Abdi is determined to become a professional footballer, but he’s also interested in computer programming. Like many refugees, he faces challenges with language, confidence, and navigating life in the UK. Andreas became his trusted guide, helping him build the skills and self-assurance he needs to reach his goals.

“Mentoring is about starting small, building confidence step by step,” Andreas says. “It’s not just about internships; it’s about showing up every day and finding ways to move forward.”

Abdi would text Andreas every day, seeking advice on everything from housing issues to understanding British slang. One lesson Andreas gave Abdi that stood out was on how to use the word "babe" properly. “You can’t just call anyone ‘babe,’” Andreas laughed. “That’s for a special someone in your life.” It was moments like these that not only made Abdi feel understood but also gave him the tools to better navigate British culture.

“You don’t have confidence when you start,” Abdi reflects, “but when you finish, you have more confidence.” For him, the key to success is simple: “You need to go talk to people, improve your skills, and become interested in the culture.”

Guiding Abdi’s Path with the “Development Star”

To keep track of Abdi’s progress, Breadwinners provides a helpful tool called the “Development Star.” It’s a guide that mentors use to help mentees set and prioritize their goals across five categories: community impact, achieving personal goals, work and training, communication, and well-being. This structure has helped Abdi stay focused on the bigger picture while also taking small steps toward his goals.

Abdi has recently completed his initial term in the Risers program and is looking forward to the next stage when a spot opens. He’s confident that with the support of Breadwinners and Andreas, he’ll continue to grow and thrive.

You Can Make a Difference!

Abdi’s story shows how powerful mentorship can be in shaping a young person’s life. With the guidance and support of Andreas, Abdi has gained the skills, confidence, and experiences he needs to build a brighter future. Mentorship isn’t just about advice; it’s about building connections, offering support, and helping someone unlock their potential.

All photo credits to Bittersweet

Apply to be a volunteer mentor today and help young refugees like Abdi on their journey to success. Your time, your experience, and your encouragement could change a life.

If you’ve been inspired by Abdi’s journey and want to make a positive impact in someone’s life, consider becoming a mentor with Breadwinners. You’ll help guide young refugees as they navigate their path to success, building confidence and skills along the way.

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Together, we can help young people build the future they deserve. Join us in making a difference!