+++Vital news (page four of seven)


++The time of my life

Homesharer Aliya Boranbayeva tells us how Vitalise Homeshare has enabled her to pursue her dream career and find true friendship in London.

”I came to the UK to do a six-month professional qualification in Marketing at the end of January 2007. I left behind in Kazakhstan a well-paid job, my beloved parents and a very comfortable life. I was 24 and I had no experience of living abroad.

I was very excited and enthusiastic about everything. I wanted to see the real life beyond my small paradise in the mountains of my home country. I stayed at my friend’s place at first and then started look for accommodation, which was not so easy. I spotted an ad on the Gumtree website which offered cheap accommodation sharing a home with an older person. I liked the idea immediately because of my budget and also because I thought I could learn from an older person.

After my interview with Vitalise Homeshare and the usual checks, an interview was arranged with householder Nora Henry. I loved the place immediately; it felt like a real home, with that special warmth. I was quite nervous so I took one of my recent watercolour paintings as a present for Mrs Henry. We had a nice interview and after a couple of weeks I moved in.

At the beginning it was quite difficult, because it took time for us to get to know and understand each other. She used to be a very independent lady and has had a very interesting life. Talking to her has really improved my English and sometimes she corrects my pronunciation, so I am very appreciative of that. I started to learn from her and she learned from me about my country and myself. I got to know her history, her friends, her routines.

When I completed my qualifications I started to think about my future. I decided that six months of study was not enough, so I applied for a Masters course. I’ve just graduated with merit.

This April it is going to be two years that we’ve been living together. We share our sad and happy moments, I feel like she is my family here. I always call her ‘Granny’ which I find sweet, because I never had this kind of experience with my own grandmother. In my opinion it is great experience, which has enriched me a lot and made me a better person. I have grown up a lot, I understand people better, and I’ve gained patience and wisdom.”

For more information about Vitalise Homeshare, call 0845 293 0449, email homeshare@vitalise.org.uk or visit www.vitalise.org.uk/homeshare