Mardoche was in care for nine years and had recently moved into independent living when he was referred to our 'Reaching Communities' programme. Life was challenging for him. He was nervous about his future and lacked confidence to speak to people. 

"At the time I first came in contact with Headliners I was doing painting and decorating. I had been living independently. Wow, money wise it’s hard. I was scared and nervous bills wise. I was nervous back then. I didn’t like talking to people. I couldn’t see me talking in front of 2 or 4 people. But I was always thinking what’s next for me.

One day I went to a ceremony for the children in foster care living independently to celebrate their achievement. I didn’t feel like going. It’s a good thing I went. People were performing and rapping. I felt like ‘wow’ I need to do something. That’s when the idea came to me about going back to the people that helped me through the years just to say thank you and make a film about it.

Working with Headliners has released me from bitterness in my past. I can do big things instead of just being in one place. I can have a voice.

When I came to Headliners I didn’t even know how to use a camera. When I met Akosua and she told me about what Headliners do, I felt I was in the right place. I told her I had an idea and she told me how an audience would see it. I hadn’t thought about that. She paid attention to me. She actually sat there and explained, had an opinion about what I was doing. It felt like she understood me. She believed in me before even I knew and was confident myself.

Spending time with Headliners helped my self confidence. I learned that you have to do things that scare you. Headliners gave me more opportunities do different things. The connection Headliners have, took me to another level. It made the future look bright. If I didn’t come here I don’t know where I would be now. Headliners gave me something I needed. Growing up I didn’t know what that was.

Working with Headliners has released me from bitterness in my past. It gave me a bigger picture. I can do bigger things instead of just being in one place. I can have a voice. Instead of being an mc or a rapper I can actually create something and put it on video and I don’t really have a lot of bad things happening now. I am grateful I went through it ".

Since working with Headliners Mardoche has received film and editing training, created and showcased his film and received the Jack Petchy award for his dedication and commitment. He has also taken part in an international volunteering expedition to Costa Rica.