Last Saturday, November 2nd, Yahya’s Hub hosted its first workshop run in partnership with NESCAN, who led us through their powerful ‘Go Deep Games’. We adapted their team building workshop to suit the needs of young asylum seeking adults. Yahya’s Hub seeks to support our members through workshops and events that build confidence, foster integration, and inspire participants to connect with the wider community
As organisers and facilitators, we had the privilege of participating alongside the young asylum seekers. Throughout this blog, you’ll see reflections and observations based on our shared experiences during the workshop. We aimed to create an atmosphere of trust and learning, where participants could explore their values, build confidence, and envision a brighter future. These reflections highlight the growth, teamwork, and inspiring goals that emerged from our time together.
Building Trust, Teamwork, and Collaboration
When first entering the workshop, we were greeted with an activity that got us sharing and listening from the very start. Each of us wrote our name, something we’re good at, and something we’d like to improve. Moving around the room almost like musical chairs, we stopped to share our cards with the closest person, exchanging qualities and aspirations with a new face each time. Then we gathered in a circle, tossing a ball of string from one person to another, each person calling out the name and strength of someone they had spoken with. One by one, the string connected us all, forming a web that represented the strengths and connections we shared as a group.
In another game, one person was blindfolded while another became their “driver,” carefully guiding them around the room by holding their shoulders and giving verbal directions to avoid each other. At first, many were nervous to be blindfolded, but with encouragement and trust, everyone learned to rely on their partner. Laughter filled the room as we navigated together, building confidence through clear communication and support.
These activities taught us more than just teamwork — they helped us build confidence, patience, and a stronger sense of connection through each challenge we faced as a team.
Identifying strengths and values in ourselves
We’d like to invite you to try an exercise we took part of in the Go Deep Games.
First, think of someone you admire. This could be a friend, family member, or colleague.
Next, write down the qualities they have that you admire.
Now, take a moment to look at that list — you might be surprised at how many of those qualities you already possess within yourself.
The positive qualities we recognise in others are often ones we share. The strengths and values we see in someone else reveal what we value and aspire to in ourselves. Interestingly, if another person chose the same individual, they might notice entirely different qualities, based on what they personally find meaningful.
We often overlook our own good qualities, focusing instead on our flaws, because we tend to be our own harshest critics. Yet, when we look at friends or family, the list of their unique strengths and achievements seems endless. This exercise reminded us to see ourselves more kindly and recognise the many admirable qualities we already have — qualities we might not have noticed without taking a closer look.
Exploring Dreams and Setting Goals for the Future
In this activity, we were invited to envision our future selves—the person we hope to become, the job we aspire to have, and the life we dream of creating. Through a guided visualisation exercise, we imagined ourselves already there, fully embracing what it feels like to achieve our dreams and reminding ourselves that these goals are within reach. NESCAN emphasised that while the journey may be challenging, it’s made up of small, achievable steps. We discussed how focusing on these steps, like building confidence with English, engaging with others, and nurturing a positive sense of self, can serve as the foundation for our goals. By concentrating on the actions we can take today, we were reminded that each small step brings us closer to our dreams, creating a path forward, one goal at a time.
As we shared our dreams, it was inspiring to see the ambition and clarity each person had for their future. One 16-year-old already had her next 10 years mapped out—she’s currently studying English in college and, though disappointed that she can’t attend a traditional academy like others her age, she’s focused and determined. She plans to continue at college, studying beauty, hair, and social media, and by 18, she dreams of working hard to earn her own income, finding companionship, and travelling the world. Others shared similarly powerful visions: one hopes to become a police officer, some a businessman; there were dreams of becoming a doctor or dentist, playing professional football, and one participant even hopes to improve his English to help other young people learn the language.
Each goal reflects not only personal aspirations but also a commitment to contributing to society in meaningful ways, showing that our group holds ambitions rooted in helping others and making a positive impact on the world around them
The Power of Positive Role Models and Peer Support
Throughout the workshop, it was heartwarming to see how naturally participants built each other up. The group often highlighted each other’s strengths, whether by helping friends understand an instruction, or translating what someone was trying to say, creating an atmosphere of support and encouragement. This sense of peer support was strengthened even more when one of the NESCAN team members, Karina, shared her own journey of resilience and growth. She arrived in Aberdeen, feeling the need to make new friends, while also wanting to improve her CV and language skills.
Her first job was a Spanish Volunteer Interpreter in GREC, it was a meaningful experience as she met several other people, who like her, were immigrants, actively looking for opportunities for integration in a new country. Facing similar challenges; together, they encouraged one another, gradually building a supportive community. She is grateful for all the people she’s met and has learned a lot from them and her experiences at university as well as through various jobs while building her own family here in Scotland. Karina believes that we carry the place ‘we come from’ and ‘live’ in our hearts, as well as belonging to the people – family and friends – from all these place. She sees this as the beauty of being an immigrant.
In sharing her story, Karina recalled our earlier exercise of thinking of someone we admire. For her, that person was her father, who had always encouraged her with powerful words of hope whenever she faced struggles. As she spoke, Pat, another NESCAN team member, noted that Karina now does the same for others, lifting them up as her father had done for her—a comment that moved her deeply. Karina’s story served as a reminder that even when family may be far away, we carry their support with us, and that by building up one another, we create new bonds and strength in our community.
How You Can Help us Empower Asylum Seeker’s
Your support makes a significant impact. By donating, you enable Yahya’s Hub to continue organising transformative workshops, where young asylum seeking adults can build confidence, set meaningful goals, and find a sense of belonging within the community. Every contribution helps fund resources and more opportunities for growth, connection, and integration. Together, we can build a foundation for brighter futures and help these resilient individuals on their journeys.
To join us in making a difference, please consider donating or volunteering your time. Follow us on Facebook & LinkedIn to stay updated on future workshops and see the ongoing impact of your support
