Learning English in Nelson

Farzana has been learning English at Brierfield Peoples centre in Nelson since June 2014. Originally from Pakistan, Farzana came to the UK 4 years ago and settled in Nelson in Lancashire. Married, with 6 children, Farzana and her family previously lived in Spain for 25 years, so in addition to her native Punjabi, she also […]

Farzana heard about the Talk English Course from her husbands friend. Her husband is also attending classes. Farzana hopes that by learning English, she will build the independence and the confidence to talk to people, especially health professionals, and that she wil be better able to participate in community life. She also wants to support her children in their studies:

“My daughter is at college. I really want to encourage her to work hard and do well.

Since starting the Talk English Course, Farzana made a doctors appointment over the phone for the first time last week- she says that she elt really happy that she was able to do this. Not only that, Farzana has also joined the gym and is able to have small conversations with the instructor, as well as her Russian neighbour, who she talks to about the weather and about their respective children.

“I have joined the local gym. I try and go twice a week.

Farzana has also been improving her reading and writing:

“I can see a gradual improvement. I still feel there is so much to learn. I really want to try hard. I can now write my name and address. I couldnt do this before.

Attending the course has also helped Farzana make friends:

“I have made friends with the teacher, fellow classmates. I enjoy coming to the class and sharing and talking to the other ladies.

In the future, Farzana wants to progress onto higher level English courses, as well as develop other skills. Last week, she attended an open event at Brierfield Peoples centre as she wanted to enrol onto an IT course.

NB. Quotes translated by S. Ali

Pictutre Credits: Barkerhouse Road, Lancashire, Nelson, Dr Neil Clifton, Wikimedia Commons, CC by SA 2.0