I am a single male foster carer and I began fostering when at the age of 60, five years ago. Being a former foster child myself, and an experienced single father of five grown-up children, I was ready and pleased to help vulnerable children in need and overcome all the challenges which may arise.

I chose to foster with TACT because I liked the fact that they are a charity and since the beginning they have proved to be very helpful and supportive whenever needed.

My first placement was an unaccompanied asylum seeker, a 16-year-old boy from Chad in Central Africa. The beginning was not easy as the boy was significantly traumatised and he didn’t speak any English. We communicated in French and it took some time before he settled in with me. However, he slowly began to feel secure and he stayed with me until he reached 19. Since then, I have cared for several other unaccompanied asylum seekers. Currently, I am looking after a 16-year-old boy from Albania and a 14-year-old boy from Sudan, both of whom came to live with me in March this year.

I was born in Algeria and I am a practicing Muslim, but I have always been open to caring for children of different ethnic backgrounds and beliefs. I have cared for several British children, most of whom were short term placements which lasted from a few months up to two years. One of the boys I cared for used to attend church so I accompanied him there every Sunday. We talked about religion very openly and respected each other’s beliefs. As a parent and a foster carer my understanding is to support every child’s needs.

The best thing about fostering is witnessing children and young people grow in confidence and seeing a smile on their faces. I am particularly delighted when I can see that they are thriving in their education, and I feel like I helped them to achieve that.

I am in touch with all my previous foster children. They often come to me if they need my help or advice and I am always ready to do my best for them. Other times, we just grab a meal together and catch up with each other’s news.

I would advise everyone who is thinking about fostering to find a courage to give a child a chance and to be patient and committed as saving a child’s future means saving the humanity.

Read more carer stories here.