Jim Wasswa on his Journey from the care system to community champion

I always wonder what people think when they see me, and what assumptions they make, because that’s what we do when we meet or see people for the first time.

I’m 20 years old, a Ugandan, and a proud care leaver from Enfield. I first entered the care system when I was ten. It was a painful and confusing time. I didn’t grow up with my biological family and, for years, I carried the weight of not knowing what that would ever feel like.

But this journey, while difficult, has taught me something powerful: resilience. I learned to be grateful for the smallest things. A kind word, a thoughtful piece of advice, or even encouragement from a stranger. All these moments planted seeds in me; seeds that grew into strength far more valuable than any material support.

Looking back now, a decade after entering the system, I can see clearly just how many people helped raise me – my foster carers, social workers, key workers, mentors, neighbours, and even those I only met once. Each left something behind; a lesson, a gesture, a belief in me. I’m living proof that it really does take a village to raise a child.

When I moved into my own place, I was convinced I could walk the road to independence alone. But reality hit quickly. Things like fitting blinds, laying carpets, installing appliances, and carrying heavy boxes, all reminded me that true independence doesn’t mean doing everything by yourself. It means knowing when to lean on others. Independence is built, not in isolation, but with the support of a community.

For this life lesson, I want to say thank you to everyone who helped me along the way – including to my father in heaven, for giving me strength, for fighting for me, and for lighting my path even when I couldn’t see it myself.

Before I became a care leaver, I was just a young person trying to navigate life, like so many others from low-income communities across the world. But here’s the truth; decisions about young people are still too often made without young people in the room. We’re tired of being seen but not heard.

True advocacy isn’t about speaking for young people, it’s actually about listening to us. Yes, many young people’s stories may sound similar, but no two journeys are the same. Each story leads to a different outcome, and each outcome needs a different kind of solution. There were times when I didn’t feel heard, times when I didn’t even know how to find my voice.

But things began to change when I joined Enfield Leaving Care Forum, run by the incredible Maxeen Messam. From day one, the message was clear; this is a space for young people, led by young people! Through the forum, we worked with the Enfield Corporate Parenting Board to improve the local offer for children in care and care leavers.

It was also through the forum that I joined the Children into Citizens campaign with Citizens UK. I had the honour of speaking in parliament, advocating for children in care and care leavers facing immigration challenges. This is a moment I’ll never forget.

Now, my journey has taken another powerful turn, through LocalMotion Enfield, and I’m deeply grateful to this organisation for trusting me with this great opportunity; I’ve been given the role of ‘change champion’ in my community.

My first project is ‘Cook and Chill’, a collaboration between Enfield Leaving Care Forum and LocalMotion. They didn’t just give me a seat at the table; they asked me to help shape the table! This is what true community transformation looks like – it’s about making sure that those directly affected by broken systems are involved in fixing them.

Cook and Chill isn’t just another project, it’s a movement. We will be bringing care leavers and decision-makers together around one table, quite literally. We will share food, stories, and experiences; to build trust. Importantly, we will centre on lived experience, because real change doesn’t happen when others speak on your behalf. It happens when those who’ve lived it lead the way.

My story isn’t over, not even close. If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s this – your voice matters. Your story matters. When young people are trusted, empowered, and given space to lead, they can transform not only their own lives, but entire communities.

To any young person reading this, especially those who feel unheard, I say: your journey may not be easy, but it’s yours, and that means it has the power to create change. I’m just getting started.

This article is published with support from Local Motion Enfield, part of a UK-wide movement for community-led change

No news is bad news 

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts. 

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less. 

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation. 

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit 

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.  

More information on supporting us monthly or yearly 

More Information about donations