About GoldStar 
| Name | Age |
Project |
|---|---|---|
 Alpha Diallo |
27 |
Age Concern North Tyneside |
Alpha is stateless. But he has real status as a volunteer.
Alpha Diallo's story is both heartbreaking and heart warming. Aged just 18, he left his native Guinea and ended up in England. He knew nobody and spoke no English. His first night was spent in a London police station. After 3 weeks, he was suddenly despatched to Newcastle. Fortunately, he quickly made friends who found him accommodation and helped him to integrate. Needing to survive, he took English lessons at college. Needing a skill, he also took up IT. In spite of never having sat at a computer before, he sailed though his courses at astonishing speed. Within two years he had many qualifications and was volunteering at the Drop In centre in Gateshead, helping people with IT problems. Ever since, Alpha has been using his 'techno' talents to help the community and he's in great demand. His full time range of volunteering jobs includes 3 days a week for Age Concern, helping the elderly to learn IT and keep in touch with the world by email. Viewed cautiously at first, his sunny nature and friendly respect for older people soon made him Tyneside's most popular 'adopted' grandson! Frustrated at still having no status after 7 years (which means he can't get a paid job or marry his English fiancée) he would still rather give freely of his time and knowledge as a volunteer than dwell upon his misfortune, as he explains:
"I came here and was amazed how friendly and supportive people can be if you make the effort to mix with them. It's great to be able to give something back to a community that has made me feel so welcome. In spite of the status issue hampering my progress, volunteering has been a great way to prove myself whilst helping others ."
Alpha's story is living proof that those who start with nothing, are still capable of giving something.
Manager's comment:
"Alpha is a perfect example of how modernising our approach tovolunteers has brought rewards. We actively encourage younger people and never discount anyone. We also see what new recruits have to offer and fit roles around them- like Alpha and his invaluable IT training services. The volunteering work also gives our recruits valuable experience for careers, though in Alpha’s case, I’m not sure his IT fan club would let him go!"
