By Ninder Kaur
Eighty-eight students from around Bradford gathered at Karmand Community Centre on Thursday to celebrate their language success.
Students from Karmand Centre, West Bowling and Grange Interlink who had been on the ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) course learning English were awarded certificates during a presentation ceremony.
The ESOL course is a 12-week programme that welcomes women aged 19 and above, from different backgrounds to help improve their English speaking skills. It is entirely funded by the Home Office.
During the 12-week course students are offered 5 hours of teaching time plus one day of integrating, where students are taken out on trips and taught how to use public transport, purchase tickets and get more information.
Not only have the students had the opportunity to learn English, but the funding for this course has also made it possible to help integrate students into society and educate them on good British values.
Robina B, Project Coordinator said: “The course has helped the students in so many ways. They no longer have to rely on their partner to take them to appointments or go to parent’s evenings. They have more confidence to do things for themselves.”
Naeed, a 36 year old student explained how the course has helped her. “In the beginning, it was hard to communicate and talk to people but I have learnt a lot.
This course has helped me become more confident and independent. I am now able to help my son with his homework without having to rely on others to interpret for me. I am looking to do other courses and tell people about how ESOL can help them.”
Saeeda Ahmed, an entrepreneur and ex member of Karmand Centre was a guest speaker at the presentation. She was joined by Shaun Luzio and Sohail Jannesari from the Home Office who also gave speeches.
Claire Rainey, Deputy Head of the Home Office Funding Team said: “It is in honour being here today to celebrate the student’s success. It shows what the European funding money can do. Community centres like this do a tremendous amount with the money that they get through grant agreements and this is just one example of how it can help. It goes to show that something as simple as learning English can make a huge difference.”
She also added, “ It is an amazing feeling to see how a relatively small amount of money has had a huge impact on so many women. Not only do they feel empowered but they have become more confident to go out into the community and integrate. For that reason, there should be more projects like this across the country.“
Since 2013, over 280 students have enrolled on the course. Many have applied for jobs whilst others have gone on to study in college and university.
Pinal Patel, 28, explains how enrolling on the course landed her the opportunity of volunteering at St Lukes Hospital. “The English integration course helped improved my speaking skills. I joined Karmand Centre last year where I made new friends and passed my Entry 3. With the help of my instructors, I became a volunteer at the hospital and I am now hoping to join a career in nursing.“
For more information on ESOL classes visit www.karmand.org.uk/courses
