Ruxandra Stance
Ruxandra Stance arrived in Belfast with her daughter (now 10) during the pandemic not knowing anyone, and with limited English. However the Sudanese woman, who has also spent time in South Africa and Romania, has settled well in Northern Ireland, and both she and her daughter are thriving in their adopted home.
When you meet Ruxandra, her caring nature and desire to help others is immediately apparent. Ruxandra is working with Belfast Works Connect programme and is volunteering with GEMS NI in a role that helps her utilise her educational background as a trained Accountant.
Through identified training Ruxandra is now gaining skills in Booking/Accountancy and OCN Level 1 Office Skills to help her get into employment whilst at the same time undertaking learning through volunteering.
Ruxandra says that she fells really supported through Belfast Works Connect and with the support of her mentor Josephine, Ruxandra has been able to undertake Accredited courses to improve her employability.
Not only that, she has been working as a volunteer to support more recent newcomers to the city as they navigate the bureaucracy and challenges of establishing yourself in an unfamiliar place.
Ruxandra is a go getter and alongside her studies and being a busy mummy, volunteers for GEMS NI undertaking admin tasks and has identified a community group who require support in their finance department, for which training, and support will be provided to Ruxandra through the programme.
Ruxandra says she really wants to work in an organisation and study its impact on the economy. She feels embraced and accepted through the programme and would really encourage anyone who wants support to get involved.
