Aminata’s story: Unlocking Potential

When the SBY Programme Lead first met Aminata she was shy and quiet, clearly uncomfortable with making eye contact or smiling at a new adult. The member of school staff explained that it took some time for Aminata to feel comfortable enough to speak with new adults, and that Unlocking Potential was going to be a real challenge for her as it was going to put her into new environments and push her to speak to new adults.

Over the course of the programme there was a slow but steady shift in Aminata’s confidence. On the first trip to Bristol Zoo Project, she was unwilling – even with support – to speak to the volunteers to ask questions. By the time she attended Professional Skills Day she greeted the session lead with a ‘Hi’ and a smile, and was able to deliver her speech to the group. Her parent/carer also told us that she had been unable to even go to pay for something in a shop herself when she began the programme but by the end she had developed the confidence to do so.