Jacqueline Nalwoga came to the Sheffield Foyer in March 2003. Aged just 16, she was an Asylum Seeker from Uganda. Jacqueline was determined to study at University, and enrolled at Castle College, Sheffield to enable her to gain the qualifications to make her dreams come true.

In December 2003 Jacqueline was granted indefinite leave to stay in Britain, however this meant that the grant she had been receiving through the local Social Services Asylum Team came to an end. The Foyer was not only able to help her to apply for Income Support and Education Maintenance Allowance, but also assisted in getting the Income Support backdated to August 2002, when Jacqueline made her original application to remain in Britain, and Education Maintenance Allowance backdated to September 2003.

Sheffield Foyer has also supported Jacqueline with many other applications, including housing benefit, college enrolment and a provisional driving licence. Part of the support she received to help her to settle into life in Sheffield and at college was Life and Social Skills training, and this included a 3 day trip to London to see the sights in February 2004 with other Foyer residents.

Jacqueline is now enjoying her second year at Castle College, and the Foyer continues to support her. She hopes to apply for a degree course next year and, when she eventually leaves the Foyer, she will still be able to keep in contact with staff there and receive help if she needs it.

The help that Jacqueline has received from Sheffield Foyer has enabled her to make the transition from Asylum Seeker to refugee and full time student.