Thandi
aged 50
THANDI is a bubbly, friendly and hospitable single woman who is full of hugs. Being patient and caring, she would like to offer her home permanently to a child, and use the skills she has developed.
Thandi originates from Zimbabwe, and was brought up in a Christian family. She did a lot of volunteer work for a Christian organisation while in Zimbabwe, and also obtained a diploma in general nursing and qualified as a midwife. Thandi is now working in a large hospital as a staff nurse.
Thandi looked after a child with learning difficulties, and a lack of communication skills, for six months while living in Zimbabwe. She would love to use this, and her nursing skills and other childcare experience, towards caring for a child with learning disabilities and/or special needs. Thandi was approved by her agency in January 2007 and has undergone, and participated well in, all their training programmes.
Thandi married in Zimbabwe and had three children. However, her marriage ended in divorce after 19 years, and she relocated to England with her children in 2001. Thandi has a residence permit with indefinite leave to remain. She now lives in a privately owned three-bedroomed house in an area with two to three special schools within 15 minutes’ drive. There is also a nationally well-known and regarded children’s hospital only five minutes away. She owns and drives a car.
Thandi has good support around her, including from her sisters, who have also relocated to the UK, and live in north-east England. Most of her family are within an hour’s drive, though her children are at university in London. Thandi also has support from the Church she attends, where she is involved with helping out with children. Many of her interests revolve around church life, as well as the women’s group she attends, which forms part of her support system. Thandi is also a member of her resident’s association and is well known in the area, mainly for her attempts to improve things locally, and her ability to speak out on behalf of others.
Ethnic and cultural descent: black African (Zimbabwean), Christian
Approval status: approved as a permanent foster carer for a child with severe learning disabilities aged up to 15 years
Area: north-west England
Lynne Maloret
Barnardos North West Fostering Service
Tel: 0151 488 0822.
Email: lynne.maloret@barnardos.org.uk.
Last updated: 17 January 08
