When a Mentor Becomes Family
One of the most meaningful projects at Fundación Asha-Kiran is the Mentor Program, part of Vínculos project, an initiative that connects volunteers and migrants who are starting a new life in Málaga.
Sometimes, the initial purpose is as simple as practicing Spanish, having coffee, or exploring the city together. However, over time, this bond can profoundly transform both people’s lives.
That’s what happened to Fátima and Inma.
Today we’d like to share Fátima’s story, who met Inma through the Mentor Program.
My Experience at Asha-Kiran
My name is Fátima Mohamed, and I’m a former student at Asha-Kiran. Attending their classes was, without a doubt, one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Not only did I have wonderful teachers who helped me learn Spanish, but I also met someone who changed my life forever.
Through Asha-Kiran’s Mentor Program, I met Inma, and we decided to meet up. At first, I thought she would simply be someone who would help me practice Spanish. I never imagined that I was about to get to know someone who would become family, a mother at heart, even though we aren’t related.
From the moment we first met, Inma’s kindness, warmth, and the way she listened to me made me feel seen, valued, and loved. She’s the kind of woman I dream of becoming one day. She taught me that humanity knows no color, religion, or borders.
Despite our differences in skin color, religion, culture, and background, we always spoke the same language: that of love, kindness, respect, and compassion.
We started meeting every Wednesday, and very soon, that day became my favorite. Every moment I spent with Inma made me feel stronger, happier, and at peace.
When I later moved to Jerez, I thought the distance would change our relationship, but it was just the opposite: our bond grew even stronger. We’re always texting, and Inma continues to encourage me to believe in myself, pursue my dreams, and never give up. She always makes me feel welcome, valued, and loved.
Every time I visit Inma in Málaga, she, her husband, and her daughters welcome me in their home as if I were part of the family. I’ve stayed with them on many occasions, spending several nights at their house. We’ve watched movies, shared meals, laughed, talked for hours, walked along the beach, and gone to restaurants together. Thanks to Inma, I’ve also gotten to know her siblings and friends. She helped me build a social life, introduced me to wonderful people, and made me feel like I truly belonged there. Those simple moments are some of the happiest memories I have. Her home has become a place where I feel safe, accepted, and loved.
At Christmas, Inma and her husband came to visit me in Jerez and gave me the first Christmas gift I’ve ever received in my life. It wasn’t just a gift; it was a memory I’ll always cherish in my heart, because it came from two people who have loved and accepted me as if I were part of their family. We also spent Holy Week together, creating unforgettable memories that I’ll always carry with me.
What I share with Inma goes far beyond friendship. She has become a mother to me. She has given me unconditional love, patience, support, guidance, and affection. She came into my life unexpectedly, but she filled a space in my heart that I didn’t even know was empty.
Now we’re looking forward to seeing each other again this summer and continuing to create new, unforgettable memories.
If I tried to write down everything Inma has done for me and everything she means to me, it would fill page after page. No words can truly express the love, kindness, support, and strength she has given me, or how much she has changed my life.
I will always be grateful to Asha-Kiran. I signed up to learn Spanish, but I gained something far more valuable than a new language. I found a second family. I found a woman who believed in me, encouraged me to keep going, and loved me as if I were her own daughter.
Some people come into our lives for a short time, while others leave a lasting mark on our hearts. Inma is one of those people, and I will always be grateful to Asha-Kiran for making it possible for our paths to cross.
Stories like Fátima and Inma’s remind us that, sometimes, the most transforming things aren't grand gestures, but the decision to share your time, listen, and be there for someone.
If you’d like to be part of the Mentor Program and support someone who is starting a new life in Málaga, we’d love to meet you. Sometimes, a conversation can become a friendship. And, as this story shows, it can even become a family.
Be part of this transformative process. You may sign up by clicing here
For more information: 677 20 01 63.
Project funded by Málaga City Council.