We’re delighted to share this wonderful account from one of our former pupils, who is now studying for A-levels at an Oxford school:

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When I first came into contact with Jacari, I was around seven or eight years old. Although I had spent most of my life in England, frequent relocations and speaking only Spanish at home meant my English had some significant gaps. This was even more glaring as at the time my vocabulary was advanced, but my grammar, spelling, and phonetics were all over the place. On top of that, I had undiagnosed dyslexia, which made improving more difficult. I often mixed English and Spanish within sentences, struggling to express myself in just one language. Between constantly changing schools and a shyer personality, these issues kept slipping through the cracks.

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Then I began tutoring with Jacari. I was matched with Charlotte, a university student studying History, and she made an immediate impact. Unlike the older authority figures I was used to, she felt more like a mentor. Because of that, I felt comfortable asking questions and making mistakes without fear of embarrassment. She made learning more entertaining, using favourite book series and TV shows to engage me and help me see schoolwork as something enjoyable rather than daunting.
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Our sessions focused on English and maths, two subjects I struggled with at the time. I particularly disliked maths, but Charlotte’s patience and encouragement helped me develop an understanding and even an interest in the subject. English was another challenge; I was self-conscious about my skills and often chose to stay quiet rather than risk getting things wrong. But in the supportive environment that Charlotte created, I found the confidence to improve.
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The impact of Jacari’s support was incredible. My spelling and grammar improved dramatically, and my newfound confidence in communication helped me excel in school. When I took my SATs, my high English scores stood out. Maths, a subject that started as a struggle, became a strength, so much so that I now study both maths and further maths and hope to pursue a degree in engineering.

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Jacari gave me the tools and confidence to succeed. Without their support, I might have continued to fall through the cracks and continued life with much weaker vital skills. This is why charities like Jacari are so important. They step in where the system falls short, providing life-changing opportunities for children who need that extra boost whatever the circumstances may be. Supporting Jacari means giving countless young people a chance to reach their full potential, something truly worth investing in.