Journeys Through A Foreign Language

By Working4Uʼs ESOL Learners Photos by Kayleigh Hirst

The Working4U Adult Learning and Literacies Team offers a range of courses for adults to develop confidence, personal skills and gain qualifications.

One of their programmes is English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), which aims to help people who are new to Scotland to learn English (and Scots!) and find out more about living here.

The free classes are friendly, relaxed, and are at different levels to suit all learners.

One of these takes place in Centre 81 and learners shared their experiences with us:

Buthina

“I am originally from Sudan, but I lived in Sri Lanka for seven years before coming to Scotland with my three daughters in February 2025.

"Since then, Clydebank has truly felt like home.

"The people here are kind and helpful and we have all grown to love Clydebank.

"Iʼll always remember the day we went to the library and met Eric. He told me about the English class and I decided to join.

"Iʼve been enjoying it so far, it has really motivated me to improve my English.

"The people in the class are friendly and itʼs inspiring to be surrounded by others who are also eager to learn.

"What makes it even more interesting is that all the students come from different countries and the teacher Dawn made the class enjoyable and easy.

"Iʼm truly grateful to have joined the English class. Iʼve met new people, made friends and even the simple act of walking to the class has been a joy.

"Along the way I continue to discover more about Clydebank and I feel more connected to the community every day.”

Maryam

"My name is Maryam and Iʼm from Iraq. I have been here in Scotland, Clydebank since January.

"I came here with a goal, to learn English and continue my education at university, where I want to study Art.

"Before coming here, I studied English in school in Iraq, however I had to leave school and move to Turkey.

"In Turkey I needed to learn Turkish to communicate with people.

"That experience taught me how important languages are in lives.

"When I arrived here I realised that I needed to start learning English again.

"I joined English class at Centre 81. These classes have helped me improve my English step by step.

"At first I knew only a few English words, but now I can speak and understand more every day.

"Learning a new language is not easy, but it is exciting. I enjoy learning English because it opens new doors for me.

"I want to study Art at university and build a better future, English is the key to achieving my dreams.

"Now I am going to do volunteer work and more classes to get used to the Scottish people.”

Hanna

“Before I came here, I learnt English at school.

"But alas it was 20 years ago and only at the Elementary level.

"I came to Scotland one year ago from Ukraine and I was amazed by the kindness of Scottish people.

"But my English knowledge doesnʼt allow me to speak and understand people fluently.

"I was happy to join this class and met amazing people here.

"When I came here for the first time, I was little nervous and worried, but I soon found out that the teacher and students are wonderful, friendly and kind people.

"These lessons allowed me to learn new English and Scottish words and also practice speaking and writing.

"After months of studying I can now communicate with other people much better, so now Iʼm thinking about continuing my education in college.

"These lessons also helped me to learn much more about Scotland, its culture, history and traditions.

"All of this allows me to integrate better.

"Exploring the local community better makes me fall in love with Scotland even more.

"Now I canʼt imagine living without its beautiful nature and kind-hearted people.

"I would like to thank all the Scottish people, the local community and of course the wonderful teachers Dawn and Eric for their support, good attitude and help in answering any questions.”

Zahida

“I live in Clydebank. I was born in Pakistan and moved to the UK in 2010 with my husband and children. I am a housewife, and I enjoy cooking new recipes and sewing different styles of clothes.

"I live in a nice and clean area.

"My neighbours are friendly and respectful, which makes me feel safe and comfortable in my home.

"I have good sewing skills and enjoy making traditional and modern outfits. I can stitch clothes by hand and with a sewing machine.

"I also like to try new designs and make clothes for my family. Sewing helps me to be creative and feel relaxed.

"Right now, I am learning English at Centre 81, and I really enjoy my classes.

"I also go to a computer class and study a childcare course, so I stay very busy during the week.

"I attend wellbeing classes as well, where I practise English, build my confidence, and improve my listening skills.

"I feel confident speaking English. I can go to the GP on my own, explain the issue, and understand what the other person is saying.

"This has made me feel more independent and comfortable in everyday life.

"I have a brother and a sister who also live in the UK. We celebrate festivals together with our families, which is always a special time.

"One of the most important times for me is Ramadan. It is a holy month when we fast from sunrise to sunset, pray, and reflect.

"After Ramadan, we celebrate Eid, which is a very joyful day. I like to wear new clothes, cook special food, and spend time with my family and friends on Eid.

"In my free time, I love spending time with my children and my granddaughter. They make me very happy.”

Sara

“I came to Glasgow three years ago.

"I went to an ESOL class, it was good. I lived nine months in a hotel, then I moved to Yoker.

"This is a beautiful area and access to the River Clyde, is about 15 minute walk from my house.

"I went to college two years ago, I liked college it was amazing.

"I have one son, he is eight years old.

"Sometimes he has cooking, gardening or maths class and I participate. I enjoy this because it makes me feel good.

"My local area has a lot of things such as shops, community centre, church and parks. I am really happy living here.

"My husband is going to university.

"Last year, I joined the language class at Centre 81. It is a good class, Dawn teaches calmly. The class has a nice atmosphere, I feel calm.

"This year, I also started a childcare course, I passed the first semester and I feel satisfied in my heart.

"I will continue my learning journey.

"My new life here has taught me new things.

"Getting to know kind and loyal people. I love rainy weather, historic buildings, museums, high level of education and scientific centres.

"This area is exciting, interesting and memorable.”

Mohammed

“My name is Mohammed, I lived and grew up in Baghdad, Iraq.

"I went to Turkey when I was 15 years old because of the bad conditions in my country.

"I lived in a cold city in Turkey, six hours away from Istanbul and luckily when I came to Clydebank I was acclimatised to cold weather.

"I wanted to go to the UK to achieve my dream.

"My dream is to become a pilot. I want to travel and get to know the diversity of other countries.

"This is why I go to Centre 81 to learn English with my teacher Dawn so that I can achieve my dreams.

"I would like to thank everyone who helped us get here and helped us mingle with the lovely Scottish people.

"Finally, I would like to thank Eric for helping us a lot when we entered the country and until now.

"I volunteer at the Salvation Army to help people and there is a kind and friendly team there.”

If you are interested in any of the ESOL courses, or know someone who is call 01389 738775; email cld@west-dunbarton.gov.uk; or message their Facebook page: facebook.com/Working4UAdultLearning

Become a Clydesider member here: Join Clydesider Community Magazine's Membership