In July, Pam, Shaheda, Kath and David were proud to accept the offer from one of our service users to attend her first fashion show, held at the Irish World Heritage Centre in Manchester.
She really is a success story. Kamela left Syria for a better future for her children, which was a fortunate decision as her house and village has been destroyed in the subsequent war.
She arrived in England with three children aged 12, 10 and 7. None had any English language, as she herself says they only knew the words for "yes" and "no".
She attended us and Brass at the Victoria Hall and was taught enough English to be able to attend further English courses at College.
She passed her English exams and in 2012 enrolled in an Art and Design course at Bolton College.
In 2013 she successfully completed a 'Contemporary Fashion and Design' course at Lancaster University.
Throughout this period she continued to volunteer with us, helping in our food room and recently translating for us at DP.
Not only does she design all of her clothes, mixing the colours and fabrics but makes them as well. The fashion show was well attended by well wishers and many from the fashion industry and very well received.
She is now in negotiation with a Dubai TV channel based in Lebanon, to make a show for them.
Her boys, now 21, 19 and 17 are well established. One is studying Forensic Science at John Moores University in Liverpool. One is in management at a supermarket. The other is studying Dentistry at College.
Kamela can be contacted on 07522 517980 for any design requirements.
