Social worker inspired young asylum seeker to pursue career helping others

It was the kindness of a social worker that cemented the future career path of a 15-year-old asylum seeker from Kuwait.

And now Abdulahamid Al-Dhafiri is drawing on his experiences as a charity volunteer to become a social worker himself.

Five years later, and the 20-year-old Burnley resident has passed his Level 3 Social Science course at Accrington and Rossendale College and is preparing to take up a place at Northampton University to study a BA in Health and Social Care Practice. 

He told PSW: “I chose this career because I truly see myself in it. I’ve always liked helping people, and that passion grew stronger through my experiences. 

“I’ve done voluntary work in different countries and also worked with a charity in Nelson, Lancashire, as a support worker. 

“We supported disabled people, pensioners, refugees, asylum seekers, and others in need. It was such an amazing experience.

“Helping people out gave me a real sense of purpose and motivation to keep doing more. 

“My personal journey also inspired me. I was once an asylum seeker myself, and I had a social worker who made a huge difference in my life. Seeing her kindness and dedication showed me just how powerful this profession is, and I want to give others the same support and hope that I received.”

Before he moved to the UK, Abdulahamid lived in Greece, Turkey, Sweden and France and was involved with teaching English and maths to children in Greece. 

He’s also volunteered with the Pendle New Neighbours charity and says his experiences inspired his career ambitions: “When I was in Greece as an asylum seeker, I was only 14 and desperate to continue my education. 

“Unfortunately, there was little access to schooling where my family and I lived. I eventually found a small school run by international volunteers, and after studying there for a year, they invited me to work with them as a teacher and translator for primary and secondary children.

“That experience shaped me in so many ways. It gave me independence and responsibility, and it also earned me respect within the camp, especially from families with children. 

“I built strong friendships with volunteers from different countries – including many from the UK – and I even learned English through my work there. Looking back, I see how much that time developed my confidence, resilience, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

“Later, in the UK, I began volunteering as a support worker. At first, I saw it as another way to give back, but it also gave me invaluable professional experience – teaching me how support work is carried out properly and how meaningful it is for the people you’re helping.”

After a while, Abdulahamid decided to step back from the work and focus on his education that had been so disrupted.

“For me, education has always been the missing piece. Growing up, I didn’t have the opportunity to study properly in Kuwait, Greece, or elsewhere. The UK gave me that chance, and I want to use it fully – to become a social worker and give back to the country that welcomed me and my family.”

Abdulahamid says he has received a lot of support from his tutors during his time at college, where his studies included psychology, criminology and philosophy.

With the start of his first term at university, it’s been quite a journey for the student who now feels on track to fulfilling his life ambitions.

“I really enjoy working with people and being able to help them, he said. “I find it rewarding.

“Having a social worker inspired me to want to do the same.”