Our Impact
a life changing story
“My son was at a point aged 15 that the world was against him. Everything was worse than ever and everything you said to him would cause an explosion of anger and abuse. He was never like this as a younger child, but all said and done he was my son and I had reached the end of my last nerve. I was scared of what my son could become, in an area that was rife with drugs and a high gang mentality.
He had gone on a summer camp which he enjoyed but never really spoke about what he had done and the people he met, typical behaviour for him as he played his cards close to his chest.
I was surprised when this lady turned up out of the blue, Jo. As she introduced herself she explained she had met my boy at camp and had spoke to him about doing some volunteering for a couple of weeks, but not in the UK, but, in Africa! My son never once talked about his interest till that day. We talked it through and decided that maybe we as a family but mainly my son may benefit from this experience.
Jo explained what we had to do to get all the young people over to Africa. Fundraising was the biggest thing we had to do. This gave a focus for my son to help with the battle of growing up. He helped by having a cake sale at school, I baked he sold!!! Over a 100 muffins in 1 day, exhausted at the thought these days!!!! He did bag packing, sponsored events, begged for donations and anything else he could think of. He seemed to love the thought of being able to go somewhere and doing some thing that some one may never do.
I was never interested in travel myself but wanted my kids to see the world, to live each day to the fullest. This became my boys mantra!
The money was made and plans were put in place for travelling and with each meeting of the group my sons excitement would become more infectious.
My son had never been on a plane, only ever went to France with school (by coach I may add) so everything was a new experience. The day they set off was a nightmare My son didnt sleep and to be honest neither did I. But we packed his luggage and in with it we put some arts and craft things we collected, some toothpaste and tooth brushes we had donated by a dentist friend of ours. It was all about to be real!
My son and his best friend were going to do something amazing, even though I don’t think they realiaed the impact this trip would have on there lives.
After the 2 weeks my son returned and the 1st thing he did was to thank me for all I do for him!! Being in a war torn country that was so poor made my boy realise he was rich beyond belief and that its not what you have but those that love you and encourage you to be the best version of you, you can be.
My son’s whole attitude totally changed, like someone had flicked a switch. He started to improve at school, and his demeanor at home was back to the boy we enjoyed being around.
The only way to say it is my boy left for Africa, he returned a young man!
From this experience my son as been back to Africa on a couple of occasions. He’s also became a Youth Worker for a time.
Thanks to reestablish my son realised he should be happy with his lot, because there are some with far less and still they have a smile on there face.
I became a happier mum which in turn benefited the rest of the family, winning all ways.
A great big thanks to Jo and reestablish who helped shape my young man.”
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