Finding Belonging and Confidence: Abdul’s Breadwinners Story

My name is Abdul, and I come from Afghanistan with love. I arrived in the UK as a refugee, searching for safety, a fresh start, and a community where I could rebuild my life, contribute, and grow. When I first arrived, life was not easy. I was trying to find my place in a completely new country. Before joining the Breadwinners programme in September 2024, I was focused on settling into life in the UK. I had no UK work experience at all and didn’t know where to begin. Like many newcomers, I was full of hope but unsure of how to prove myself.

Everything started to change when a friend of mine, Popal, told me about the Breadwinners programme. I decided to give it a try, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. At the beginning, I felt nervous. Everything was new, from the work environment to the people and the expectations. However, from the very first day, the team made me feel welcome. That feeling of belonging helped me grow in confidence quickly.

My experience on the programme was brilliant. Every shift became a new opportunity to learn. I developed skills in customer service, handling responsibility, and understanding how businesses operate in the UK. More importantly, I gained confidence, something that grew every time I spoke to a customer or took on a new challenge.

After completing the programme, I felt a strong sense of achievement. I had gone from having no experience at all to feeling confident and capable. I knew I was ready to take the next steps toward my future. Since then, I have been very busy building my life. I completed a hospitality course and started working at Brighton Palace Pier. Today, I am proud to be working as a Supervisor in a restaurant. Alongside this, I am also studying a Multi-Trade course in Construction part-time and working on my own business plans.

Looking back, the Breadwinners programme was the foundation for everything I am doing today. It gave me my first opportunity, my first UK reference, and helped me understand the work culture here. It was the bridge that helped me move from being a newcomer to becoming a professional. Most importantly, it gave me belief in myself. It showed me that with the right support, hard work, and determination, I can achieve my goals. Today, I feel confident, motivated, and excited for the future I am building.