Reha Ali
When Reha Ali first moved to the UK, in 1993 aged 16, she was unable to speak English. Ten years later, when her youngest child started school, she decided it was time to improve her skills to support her family. Reha has now taken a range of courses and is training to be a bus driver.
After taking part in a childminding course delivered in Bengali, Reha recognised that her lack of English language skills were holding her back so she started a beginner’s level ESOL course in 2004. Within just four years Reha has progressed through ESOL Levels 1, 2 and 3 and is now studying Literacy level 1, as well as Numeracy level 2.
Reha’s new skills meant that when she was suddenly widowed, she was able to support her four children by working at a supermarket.
“I am very ambitious, and have always considered learning as very important to me. I wanted to increase my knowledge and get a better job,” said Reha. “My main achievement is improving my English which means I am able to do things for myself and my family.”
Reha’s new-found confidence has enabled her to explore her employment opportunities, and she is currently training to be a bus driver. Her skills are also benefiting the wider community as Reha now offers help to friends and family by translating documents and letters.
“My ambition is to go on to higher education, study accountancy and become an accountant. In the meantime I will take different jobs to enable me to support my family and improve my English by coming to college in the evenings.”