A BALLYNAHINCH woman has thanked her foster carers for the key role they played in her educational success.
Migle (23) has revealed how growing up in foster care helped shape her future career as the Regional Adoption and Fostering Service launches a new campaign encouraging more people to become foster carers across the Province’s health trusts.
Migle was fostered by South Eastern Trust foster carers Michael and Martha eight years ago and is currently studying Computer Science at Queen’s University Belfast.
She moved in her with foster parents when she was 15 and admits she would not be where she is today without their support.
“Before I went to live with Michael and Martha I never even thought about going to university,” said Migle who moved to Northern Ireland in 2010 from Lithuania.
“They were able to help me choose what I wanted to do with my life. They organised tutors for me in subjects I struggled with which helped me to do well in exams and go to university. They also helped me learn English.”
Migle said her foster parents always spoke English in the home which helped her learn the language, make friends and do well in school.
“They took me on holiday to Spain and Greece which opened my eyes to the world as I had never been on holiday before. I always felt like part of their family. My only wish is that I could have lived with them since I was a baby.”
The Regional Adoption and Fostering Service is currently seeking to recruit foster carers to meet the growing demand of children and young people living in care. Currently, there are more than 3,000 children and young people in foster care in Northern Ireland.
Una Carragher, principal social worker with the Regional Adoption and Fostering Service said there are many myths about who can and cannot foster.
“We welcome enquiries regardless of race, religion, language, culture, gender, disability, age and sexual orientation,” she explained.
“We are looking for people who can open up their hearts and homes to provide care for children and young people like Migle, who is currently in third-level education, as a result of the support she received from her foster carers.”
Una added: “Foster carers must be willing to offer a safe and secure home where children and young people feel valued, respected and cared for.”
If you have ever considered fostering or would like further information on how to become a foster carer, contact the Regional Adoption and Fostering Service on 0800 0720 137 or visit www.adoptionandfostering.hscni.net.