Marouf’s story: Finding his way to work and university
This is the story of Marouf who came through our employment programme GAME ON, who has dealt with health barriers since childhood which made it tough for him to stay in school or find a job. Here he tells us how we supported him into work and education. If you want to help us support more people like Marouf, consider donating to us this Christmas
At just 21, Marouf from Croydon has faced more than his fair share of challenges. He has dealt with health barriers since childhood due to Myhre syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects his speech and causes joint stiffness. This has made it tough for him to stay in school or find a job, and after more than two years out of education and employment, he was feeling isolated and frustrated.
That’s when Marouf’s social worker at Croydon Council referred him to our Employment team, hoping we could offer him an opportunity to develop new skills and contribute to his community. Marouf was keen to land an office-based customer service role, but his journey ahead wasn’t going to be easy. Being out of work and school for so long, combined with the challenges of Myhre syndrome had taken a toll on his confidence.
Marouf had participated in some of our programmes before, but it was when he signed up for our GAME ON programme that things started to change. This programme provided him with dedicated, one-on-one support to help him get job-ready and feel more confident. Our employment team worked with Marouf to develop practical skills, improve his job-seeking skills, and offer personalised guidance tailored to his needs.
One of the standout moments for Marouf was completing his Gym Instructor Level 2 qualification with us. This wasn’t just about adding to his CV—it was a huge confidence boost and a way for him to build connections and reduce that feeling of isolation. Meeting people who understood what he was going through and working alongside our team brought a sense of belonging that had been missing for too long.
Marouf is now studying full-time at Roehampton University, pursuing a degree in Software Engineering. He’s also landed his first paid job as a Young Evaluator at the London Transport Museum, gaining invaluable experience and taking those important steps toward his future.
“People have been so friendly and supportive at Palace for Life,” Marouf said. “I am very grateful for all the help. The support they give and programmes they run are amazing. Having intensive one-on-one support to look for jobs and opportunities has been really vital for me. Thanks for everything.”
From feeling stuck and isolated, he’s now part of a south London community, feeling confident and ready for what’s next.
“Marouf has been a pleasure to work with,” said Tony Mullen, who looks after our Employment programmes. “He is one of life’s good souls, always respectful and making others feel at ease. His perseverance is incredible, and he’s a role model for other young people facing similar challenges.”
Marouf’s story is just one of many that show the difference programmes like our GAME ON programme can make. Whether it’s helping young people get into work, education, or other positive activities, we’re proud to be part of it.
Your donations, no matter how big or small, make a massive difference to the lives of people like Marouf. If you’d like to donate, you can do so here.
For more information on our Employment programmes, head here.