Britain's Missing Dads star enrols at Tottenham college (From Haringey Independent)

Britain's Missing Dads star enrols at Tottenham college

9:59am Monday 21st February 2011 in Education By Elizabeth Pears

A YOUNG man who featured in BBC documentary investigating absent fathers has enrolled at a Tottenham college in order to become a better dad.

Jermaine Jones, who recently appeared in Panorama's Britain's Missing Dads, is now studying at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London for a qualification in youth work.

The 22-year-old, who has a two-year-old daughter, was featured in the programme as a father who shares custody of his child, and is trying to improve both of their lives.

As well as attending college two days a week, he also works three days a week at the Pembury Youth Club in Hackney.

Jermaine had previously struggled at school because of dyslexia which went unnoticed until he enrolled at the college in 2010.

He said: "When I started to get support from the college and they mentioned dyslexia, I didn't even know what it meant. Now I know there is a reason why I found school so hard and I struggled to read bedtime stories to my daughter."

Jermaine spends one day of his course a week at the college’s study skills centre, where he gets help with his learning disability.

Jermaine, who was discovered for the Panorama programme while attending a scheme for young dads, said: "Being part of Panorama and enrolling at the college has made me determined to provide a good life for my daughter. I think it is far too easy for young dads to walk away and leave the responsibility to the mother.

"Young dads out there who can't provide for their family just need to get focused and back into education or work. No matter what skills they start with they can always aim higher. It's not about letting people put you down, but basically doing what you have to do for your kids."