Natasha Kerr: The Honest Street Encounter That Changed a Single Mom's Life

I’m like an onion—many layers—but this season my journey through education best defines me. God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.Born in 1973 to a Sierra Leonean father and Grenadian mother, I grew up in a single-parent home in West London. My early childhood was full of vivid memories—nursery days, simple joys, and a natural love for learning and play.I moved schools a few times, and from early on I showed both resilience and independence. I loved sports, struggled with undiagnosed dyslexia, and often felt misunderstood in the classroom. My strengths were never fully recognised, and I faced challenges that shaped both my confidence and my character.Despite setbacks—including academic struggles, school transitions, and personal misunderstandings—I kept going. I eventually discovered my learning difference at 26, which changed everything.My life shifted when I encountered faith and gave my life to Christ. From there, I returned to education as a mature student, raised two children as a single mother, and overcame significant personal and academic challenges.I went on to achieve qualifications including GCSEs, a foundation degree, and a BA (Hons) in Early Years Teaching. Today, I work as a Learning Mentor, run my own company, Be One Hope, and am developing a mentoring framework to support young people in finding purpose and direction.For me, HOPE used to mean Hell On Planet Earth—but now, through God, it means Heaven On Planet Earth.My framework is built around:H – HappinessO – OpportunitiesP – Purpose & PositioningE – Emotional LiteracyWEBSITE: https://beonehope.org/