MY NEW HOME

Altynay came to live in Britain in Autumn 2005.

Altynay's mum worked for the government in Kyrgyzstan, until it was overthrown in a popular uprising. Her mum came to Britain to study in 2004. Altynay stayed behind with her grandma in their flat in Bishkek. But Altynay’s mum feared for her daughter’s future in such an unstable environment. She felt Altynay would not have good opportunities if she stayed in their home country. She decided to bring Altynay over to join her in Britain. Altynay spoke no English at all when she arrived. She moved to Penistone, a quiet village in Yorkshire, where her mum was working as a waitress. She started at the local primary school a few days later.

Altynay is now attending Penistone Grammar School. Her English is absolutely brilliant - she became fluent within a year. She has really blossomed now that she can communicate. She has lots of friends and is doing extremely well at school. She has a really outgoing personality and great sense of humour, which she couldn't express when she first arrived.

Altynay is going back to Kyrgyzstan for a holiday this summer to visit her family. She hasn't seen them for nearly two years.