A Long, Long Way from Home

By Jean Adamson

Kaylin moved Inverclyde about two and a half years ago from South Africa.  Her mum was originally from here but moved to South Africa when she was young. Kaylin and I discussed the differences between Inverclyde and her former home. She talked of changes from one culture to another and specifically mentioned the accent, how different houses are.   “Everything is different” she said. “Transport is hard to find in South Africa.” Here in Inverclyde trains and buses are easily available. In her original home it took much time to get to a shopping mall.  The layout of houses there are very spread out, houses in South Africa are blocked off, whereas here “things are much freer.”

As we continued to chat, she told me “It’s a lot more friendly here. I don’t feel I’m being judged.”  Kaylin still had a couple of years schooling to complete when she first arrived, which took place at Clydeview Academy. She studied various subjects. As we spoke it became clear that she had nothing but praise for our local school.

She continued “The huge difference is the education and the kids.” “It’s how things are approached that’s different.” She said “I was allowed my phone while in school, but definitely not in South Africa.” The differences she described are interesting, especially re phones as we seem to be moving the South African way with some schools ruling out phones in Scotland. “In South Africa, things were much stricter at school,” said Kaylin. I wonder what our teenagers would make of that?

Kaylin struggled at school in South Africa due to lack of support. So, when she started at Clydeview Academy it was quickly picked up she has dyslexia. Kaylin is perfectly happy to share this with others; she is so appreciative of help received. The effects of dyslexia on Kaylin relate to reading time. Spelling is also a factor that holds her back. Praise for our local school continued as she told me “If I’m given one instruction at a time, I’m fine.” She was given extra time, a reader, and a separate class when needed to carry out her school work, which was all very helpful.

 Kaylin found out about the SHED via our local Job Centre.  It’s good to know that local organizations are teaming up to point people in the right direction!

The first people she met at the SHED were Sandy Gale, our chairperson and supervisor, together with our famous pen maker Dougie Brown. She says that Sandy trained her on the machines and since starting she has made a pen, a jewelry box, and “A wee shelf.” I asked her about the use of the ‘wee’ word.” Did you use that in South Africa?” “No” she said, “I just picked it up here.”

 Kaylin, presently our youngest member, has certainly picked up the local lingo. And when asked if she would encourage other young people to come to the SHED she said yes! “I enjoy coming here.” Eighteen years old when she joined, and now at the ripe old age of 19, she is a popular member who has a wee cuppa in the kitchen with whoever is taking a break. She smiles a lot, which cheers others up and she has gotten some of those big machines on the shop floor under control. She has used the lathe, bandsaw, and the table saw. Well done, Kaylin! We’re glad to have you as a member and hope you’ll talk to your pals about all we do here.