Starting Again

Learning, Communicating and Building Confidence in a New Country

Arriving in a new country can mean adapting to a new language, new relationships and a completely different education system.

After arriving in England from Sudan with very little formal education and unable to speak English, this learner began building the skills and confidence needed to move forward.

“But now I know that I can learn them.”

My Story

I came to England from Sudan when I was a teenager.

Before that, I had very little formal education. I had some Qur'an study in Sudan, but not really the kind of schooling that young people here would normally experience.

My journey to England took me through Libya, Italy and Calais before I eventually arrived here.

When I came to England, I couldn't speak English.

I didn't know much about the country either, although I did know Arsenal because I supported them!

Starting college was frightening.

When you can't speak the language, even simple things become difficult. You can't always explain what you need. You don't know what people are saying. Sometimes you wonder what people are thinking about you.

At first I felt that people might judge me because I couldn't speak English.

My key worker encouraged me to practise, and that helped my confidence.

Then I came to EMBS.

The people were friendly and my teachers encouraged me with my English. Slowly I started speaking more.

Now I can speak good English.

I know that if I need help, I can ask a member of staff. If I'm sad or upset, I know there are people I can speak to who will give me advice and support.

Other things have mattered too.

Having somewhere to pray is important to me. Ramadan and the Iftars at college were a really positive part of my experience. They made me feel that my faith was understood and that I was welcome here.

Learning isn't always easy.

Maths is difficult for me because I had never really studied maths before. Sometimes I'm learning things for the first time that other people my age may have been learning for years.

But I want to improve.

Leaving EMBS makes me sad.

It's not only about moving to another college. It means leaving people I know and having to build new relationships again.

When I think about arriving in England unable to speak English and compare that with where I am now, a lot has changed.

I still have things to learn.

But now I know that I can learn them.