A TEENAGE refugee who fled violence in his homeland has been rewarded after turning his life around in Bolton.

Mike Mesifah Kassaye, aged 17, left Ethiopia because amid fears for his safety.

The country has been locked in an on-off often bloody battle with neighbours Eritrea, a former province, since it won independence in 1993.

Mike is now settled in Deane and has taken every opportunity training charity, Rathbone, has given him — learning English in less than a year and gaining qualifications. When the organisation was asked by Manchester United Football Club to select a top trainee to meet Sir Alex Ferguson, Mike was in line for the treat.

He said: “Sir Alex Ferguson is known throughout the world – including Ethiopia. I was so proud to meet him.”

Mike’s family were split up when they fled Ethiopia in 2007. His mother and sister went to Australia, and he came to Bolton with his father.

The teenager has never missed a session at Rathbone, in Chorley Street, in the town centre, after Bolton Council introduced him to the charity.

He has completed an English for Speakers of a second Language (ESOL) course at Bolton Community College, gained qualifications in first aid, literacy and numeracy at Rathbone and is now on a work placement with specialist restoration company HeightVale Ltd, based in Spa Road, Bolton.

Sir Alex said: “It is pleasing to meet youngsters who have overcome hardship to succeed. People such as Mike are true champions and it was an honour to meet him.”

Kath Farrant, Rathbone centre manager for Bolton, said: “Mike’s progress has been amazing.

“He suffered the heartache of leaving his home, became estranged from members of his family and landed in a country where he didn’t know the language.”

Rathbone runs courses for 14-18-year-olds to give them personal, social and employability skills.

To find out more visit rathboneuk.org or contact 01204 368270.

cherry.thomas@ theboltonnews.co.uk