A bright schoolboy who cares for his disabled mother in their council flat after his father died in a hit-and-run is now going to Eton after winning an £80,000 scholarship.
Ilyan Benjamin, 15 years old, will have the privilege of meeting the elite at Windsor School, Berkshire’s most well-known school. This famous school boasts the likes of Prince William and Harry as well as Prime Minister Boris Johnson, among many other illustrious graduates.
To win the coveted place, Ilyan, who lives in a small two-bed flat in Stratford, east London, went through a gruelling three-day assessment, which included three entrance exams and multiple interviews.
While his peers at the public school will have enjoyed lives of immense privilege and luxury, Ilyan has been caring for his wheelchair-bound mother Lalia Amal Chikhaoui, 49, since he was 11, spending his spare time cooking, cleaning and shopping.
Lalia, his mother and father had fled Algeria before the birth of their son.
She’s been in poor health all her adult life. Ilyan, nine years old, was first diagnosed with cancer. She is now suffering from Functioning Neurological Disorder, a condition that limits her mobility and causes severe disability.
Ilyan won the scholarship. He said, “It’s an unbelievable story.” Perhaps I’ll write a book some day. Because it was very hard at times, I believe that victory over adversity is a hallmark of success.
Ilyan Benamor, 15, has been caring for his wheelchair-bound mother Lalia Amal Chikhaoui, 49, (both pictured yesterday) since he was 11, spending his spare time cooking, cleaning and shopping
Ilyan photographed at the hospital in which his mother Lalia received treatment for cancer.
He said, “I’m so proud of mum. All she’s been through. Without her tireless efforts to bring us to the UK, I wouldn’t have had this opportunity. She is so proud of me and I love her dearly.
“It’s hard to express how thankful I am for my school. They’ve been great to me and my mom. I was even able to print my own work from home thanks to their generosity. Their support has been amazing.
Ilyan was born and raised in France. He moved briefly to Spain when he was 3 years old. His mother then got him a visa for the UK.
Ilyan’s mother and father do not live in the UK, but his uncle is moving to the UK so that he can care for Lalia as Ilyan continues his Eton studies.
Lalia has an additional carer from Newham Council who arrives every day and stays for three hours.
Lalia stated that she was so relieved and happy. Residents of East London worry that something might happen when teens reach their teenage years, as there are gangs and knife crimes.
“But Eton doesn’t require that you worry about this. It is possible for him to have a fresh start. This is like God’s gift to me, my prayers are answered.
Ilyan (pictured with his mother at Eton), was required to pass a rigorous three-day assessment in order to win the coveted spot. He lives in a tiny two-bed apartment in Stratford.
Lalia, his mother and father had fled Algeria before the birth of their son.
“This brings me comfort because I know that no matter what happens, God is always there to help me.
“I don’t want him worrying about me. He has been worried too much. For such a young man, he has done far too much.
He is the best, gentlest and most loving son that a mother could ever ask for. He now has the opportunity to master his destiny and focus on his family.
Ilyan received the Newham young carers prize in 2017. In that moment, he stated: “I have concerns because one day if it’s far from Newham and I want to attend university there, then I would have have to leave mum. That makes me anxious.
“It’s really helpful to have somebody to talk to when things get difficult. It makes my life easier to have the support from school. I’m grateful.
Ilyan, another Community School Trusts (CST), prestigious college program that helps students from disadvantaged backgrounds to get into top-fee paying schools is another example of a graduate.
Ilyan received the Newham Young Carers Award for 2017
Each student is assigned an advisor who assists with application, interview preparation and entrance exams.
These scholarships are paid for by private schools.
The multi academy trust runs four schools including Cumberland Community School, also in Newham, which last year helped students win scholarships worth in excess of £1m.
Ilyan was the fifth student to be selected from Forest Gate Community and Cumberland for a seat at Eton.
Wellington College, Winchester College, Wimbledon, and Kings College are other top-feeting schools that support this program.
Ilyan stated that Eton was an incredible school. It is the top-ranked school in the whole world. It is an honor to be part of this school. It is almost a dream for me to go there.
“I would like to become a politician in order to make a positive difference.” [to]My homeland, and to help them solve the current problems in the country.
Simon Elliott, Chief Executive Officer of Community Schools Trust stated that Ilyan was exceptional in both his intelligence and his character.
“He faced many struggles, heartaches, and challenges in his short lifetime, yet he remains generous, warm, and optimistic for his future.
“He has been a role model for his peers and all who see him as a result of the remarkable maturity, kindness, resilience and perseverance he displayed from an early age.
After the success of Forest Gate Community, the Community Schools Trust was created to provide support for bright and talented young people from less fortunate backgrounds.
“To give these young people world-class opportunities was why I decided to become a teacher. This is still what motivates me to this day as a leader.