Have you ever struggled in speaking English like me when you came to the UK?
I’d like to share my experience of facing difficulty in speaking English when I came here. I live in the UK with my husband. We came here together. We have been living here for one and a half year. Firstly we lived in our uncle’s home for a month, and then after facing a lot of difficulty finally we have found our own rented flat.
When my husband went to work, I had nothing to do except for house work like cooking , dusting and cleaning. Then I thought I should do something specially for improving my English. I went to library there someone told me “you should enrol yourself in ESOL courses”. Then I enrolled myself in MAES online with the help of my husband as I am not good at computer very much. After that they had booked an assessment for me. When I went there they checked my ID, they told me I am not eligible to take these classes I must wait for three years. After knowing this I was very worried and disappointed.
After few days I met another Pakistani lady at library, who was also struggling with English. She told me that she has been studying ESOL course in MAES for a year. I am surprised to know as she has been living in the UK just two years and she has not completed yet her three years as well. She told me now the rule is changed here you should try again. Then I again enrolled myself through website, then again an assessment had been booked for me. So again I went there for my assessment test. There was a lady who was taking my assessment and when I told her all my situation. Again she said I am not eligible for this till completed three years here. But this time she told me about the job centre where I might get help.
so I went to the job centre, where someone told me about an organization named “Golden Centre”. Next day I went there and they just took an assessment test from me. They enrolled me in ESOL entry 3. Finally I found a place where I started to learn English and still I am learning. Now my English is much better.
In conclusion I just want to say don’t give up even if you don’t find any way or a solution. Don’t lose hope just trust in your God and keep struggling. You will definitely by the help of God find out a way. As I did, I didn’t give up and continue searching. Now I have completed my ESOL Level 1 and Maths L1 as well. Meanwhile I also found Heart and Parcel where I can improve my speaking, reading and writing English. It helps me a lot. Thanks to Heart and Parcel for giving us such valuable services and platform where we can share our thoughts as well.
By Saira Aadil
