For the last few years Oasis has been running two transitional homes; one for boys and one for girls. The young people now living in them had nowhere to go when they left the government institutions where they were brought up and were at risk of living on the streets; over the last three years twelve young people have lived in these homes. As we have mentioned in previous blog posts we have been working towards these young people starting to live independently, and in the last couple of weeks, after much preparation, all the girls moved out of their Oasis home. Two have moved into a rented flat together and will be looking for work, one has moved to another centre and the fourth will be moving in with one of the members of staff in a fostering-type of relationship and will continue with her schooling.
So last Friday we all celebrated by having a picnic in the mountains. Of course, we were not celebrating the fact that the home is closing, but rather all the fantastic things that have happened: amongst other things, all the girls have improved their education, they have learnt how to look after themselves, they have had internships and work experience, some have had part time work, and they have been a part of a loving and supportive community. Lot's to celebrate!
The picnic site
The way home!
The six boys will be making a similar transition from their home over the next two months. As with the girls there will be much to celebrate, but also much to prepare for; it is a huge step for each of them.
