WHEN young Hekuran Lulaj arrived in Britain he had practically nothing but the clothes he stood up in.
A bewildered and anxious 14-year-old, he arrived here alone and could not even speak a word of English.
It had been a terrifying journey in a lorry, travelling thousands of miles across Europe, to escape the horrors of the Kosovan conflict.
Despite his youth, Hekuran had taken the incredibly courageous step of fleeing his home country and seeking out a new life - quite alone - almost a continent away.
Today, two years later after a journey, via London, which ended at the home of foster parents in Southampton, he is a testament to triumph over adversity.
Last night Hekuran's educational achievements since arriving in the city were honoured along with other youngsters cared for by Foster Care Associates, the independent fostering agency, at a special presentation evening with football legend Matthew Le Tissier at the Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium.
After just 24 months in the city, Hekuran has passed eight GCSEs with flying colours and has just begun his first job.
The youngster had carried out his studies at Bellemoor School in Shirley after being found a home in the city by Foster Care Associates.
He said: "In the beginning it was quite difficult. The school was so different to what I was used to - it was bigger and it was only boys.
"The language was difficult. The whole structure of English is different but I knew I had to learn it if I was going to do well in my studies.
"It took six to seven months to learn English and I soon got used to the people and the culture."
He studied hard and his efforts were rewarded with the following marks this summer: English Lit/Lang-C; French-C; Geography -C; PE-C; RE-C; Maths-D; Resistant Materials (woodwork, metalwork, plastics)-D; and Science - D.
"My favourite subjects were French, Geography and PE," said Hekuran, whose native language is Albanian.
For the past year, Hekuran has been living with foster parents Virginia and Alan Cummins from Sholing.
Virginia said: "It's been great having Hekuran with us. He has worked really hard with his studies. He used to come back from school and carry on studying in the evening.
"We really enjoy having him with us - he is helpful around the house and he has a good sense of humour."
Hekuran is now working for Brian Hartwell at Pipe, Plumbing and Heating Services in Peartree Avenue - and he will soon be starting a day-release college course.
"I decided in Year 10 that I wanted to get a job rather than go to college - if you go to college you have to find a job afterwards anyway," he said.
Fiona Lyon, principal education officer with Foster Care Associates, said: "Hekuran is a shining example of our education success stories - and proof that where there is commitment, you can achieve anything."
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