United African Association (UAA)
At the United African Association’s Job Club, we have witnessed transformative journeys of individuals who faced significant challenges but emerged victorious through our tailored sessions. Here are three inspiring case studies of participants who secured employment after attending our program.
OR, a single mother of two from Nigeria sold all her properties with dreams for a better life abroad, arrived in the UK with dreams of a better life, but her hopes quickly turned into despair when she found herself without work and ultimately became homeless, sleeping on the streets during cold nights. Struggling to send money to her children in Africa, she turned to the United African Association for help after being referred by a concerned existing beneficiary. Desperate for change, OR joined UAA’s Job Club, where she received comprehensive support. The sessions focused on interview preparation, CV revamping, and essential IT skills that are crucial in today’s job market. With personalised guidance from our mentors, OR learned how to effectively present her skills and experiences to potential employers. One pivotal session presented by the Northamptonshire Police focused on sponsorship opportunities in various industries, which opened her eyes to potential employers willing to support individuals facing hardships.
After several weeks of dedicated participation, OR applied for a position as a senior carer in a care home that aligned with her passion for community service. Thanks to the skills she acquired during the sessions and the confidence she built through mock interviews, she successfully landed the job. Today, she not only has a stable employment but also advocates
for others in similar situations, emphasising the importance of community support and resources available through organisations like ours.
TC a married Cameroonian faced his own set of challenges upon moving to the UK with dreams of a better life, but his hopes turned into despair when he found himself jobless and homeless, despite having been promised job placements on arrival to the UK. Initially struggling with language barriers and lacking familiarity with local job application processes, he felt lost and discouraged. However, after joining UAA’s Job Club, he gained access to resources that helped him improve his English proficiency and understand the nuances of CV writing tailored for UK employers.
Through mock interviews and constructive feedback from peers and mentors within UAA, he built his confidence and refined his interview techniques. His hard work paid off when he landed a temporary job with Royal Mail, with the help of a loyal UAA volunteer who also secured temporary employment at Royal Mail. The wages TR earned enabled him to pay for a room in a shared house, a massive change from sleeping in shop and church doorways.
His journey has not been smooth as his reading and writing skills make employment difficult, however with persistence from us- accompanying him to register with various employment agencies, helping him complete job application forms and putting him forward for employment, he eventually gained warehouse work in London where he now lives.
TC’s success highlights how targeted training can empower individuals to navigate their career paths effectively.
SA came to us feeling lost after being laid off from her administrative role during the lockdown. She had limited experience with modern office software and felt overwhelmed by the competitive job landscape. Our Job Club provided her with essential training on CV writing tailored for administrative positions and hands-on workshops focusing on software applications commonly used in offices today.
During one session about networking strategies, she learned how to leverage LinkedIn effectively and connect with professionals in her field. This newfound knowledge led her to attend virtual networking events where she met hiring managers looking for candidates like her.
After applying what she learned about presenting herself confidently during interviews, she secured a position as an Administrative support staff at a growing company within just two months of joining our programme. Her story exemplifies how targeted training can lead individuals toward fulfilling careers even after experiencing setbacks.
These testimonies highlight not only individual successes but also the collective impact of community support through programs like those offered by the United African Association’s Job Club. By equipping participants with vital skills and fostering resilience, we empower them to overcome obstacles and achieve their career goals.