In The Spotlight: Enid Shares All
During Black History Month, we are speaking to our wonderful Foster with Bucks foster carers about their experiences of looking after children from African and Caribbean backgrounds and asking them what are the challenges around establishing a positive sense of identity within them.
For this edition, we spoke to Enid, who has been fostering for over 17 years now, and brings a wealth of experience to the table.
"My name is Enid and I am from St Vincent in the West Indies. I'm a single parent with one adult child. I decided to foster after being made redundant several years ago during the summer holidays. I was relaxing and watching the TV and saw a black lady talking about fostering so I decided to explore more and look for more information. I have been fostering for 17 years now and have cared for 10 children, who have come predominantly from African and Caribbean backgrounds."
One of the things that our carers tell us is that there is sometimes a rivalry between the children they care for and their own children. Enid says, "As a foster carer, it was always in my mind that my daughter would never think that she was being replaced. I didn't want her to think this way, so I always ensured that she was looked after." At Foster with Bucks, we offer our Sons and Daughters Support Group, which encourages children from foster families to get together and for relationships with other people in the same boat. This has proved a key resource in minimising these issues.
Enid used the life skills that she has acquired. "It is really important to take pride in yourself, to work hard and to be able to offer a sense of achievement to the young people in our care", she says. "I am passionate about supporting children with their education, knowing that there are stereotypes and statistics that black children sometimes have to work against."
Enid's daughter has gone on to great things and is now a Doctor of Science, which is a fantastic achievement! National statistics tend to show that this is an extremely hard thing to achieve for black children, in particular females, and that these job roles mainly fall to men.
Enid spoke to us back in 2021 about her passion for education. You can see her full interview via the official Buckinghamshire Council YouTube channel here:
Enid, what have you learnt from caring for children from African and Caribbean backgrounds?
"You have to be nurturing and have resilience as a foster carer, even more so if you look after children from certain backgrounds. Some of the trauma that children have experienced is a real eye-opener, but you have to put your emotions aside, and be prepared to work with the birth parents and other professionals to achieve the best for the children. Nothing is ever written in stone, and I have learnt that everyone has the ability to change."
What have you done to meet the cultural needs of the children in your care?
"I have used Black History Month in the past as an opportunity to teach them about where they have come from. I have also encouraged them to digest what they are taught in school to educate them, I have taken them to movies - I really recommend watching 'The Hidden Figures' (warrior women) and I have been excited to introduce them to new and different cuisines from all around the world."
What dishes would kids from your household expect to be enjoying?
" I enjoy cooking macaroni and cheese with the children. It is my own special recipe which includes, spring onions, paprika and 3 different kinds of cheese. I can't give you the full recipe - it's a secret! I also love to cook Rice and Peas, Jerk Chicken and Curried Goat. I also love Plantain, which is a traditional Caribbean meal enjoyed on a Sunday. Another favourite is Salt Fish Cakes and classic Spaghetti Bolognese which are house favourites." You can check out our top tip for Honey Jerk Chicken Tenders from the lads over at Original Flava here!
Do you research the culture of the children you look after? If so, what do you look for and how do you do it?
Enid has her own experiences that she is able to share. As a Black carer, she feels equipped and overcome these challenges.
Do you have any advice for other carers caring for children from different backgrounds?
"Just do it, you can make a HUGE difference! Don’t be afraid. You have the life skills that will help nurture and support any child, and a child from a different background to yourself is no different. Don’t hesitate as you will make a difference."
What are your top tips for someone who might want to consider fostering?
"ENCOURAGE is an important word to use when fostering! Encourage the young person to accept who they are, and encourage them to believe that they are worthy. Praise them as much as you can, and have an appreciation of their cultural background. Equip them to face any discriminations that they may encounter."
If you've been inspired by Enid's story, and want to become a foster carer with Foster with Bucks, why not give us a call on 01296 674 973, or email us at [email protected] where one of our friendly and knowledgeable team will be on hand to have a chat about your options.