Fatoumata says that the Lewisham College ESOL department has given her social skills as well as language skills and has taught her how to interact with a wide variety of cultures – essential skills for her current job working in a large, busy London Hotel.
From Pre Entry to GCSE English.
She arrived in the UK at the age of 17 yrs old. She had no family, no friends, and absolutely no English language.
She joined a pre-entry ESOL class at Lewisham College. Despite knowing no one, she loved being at college; she made friends, even though there was hardly any common language between them, and she was so excited that at last she would be able to study.
Lewisham College was her first schooling, she had never been to school in her own country, so was unable to read or write in any language.
She progressed through the ESOL levels and continued to enjoy her studies; she went on outings and museum visits with her classes and so became familiar with British culture as well as the language. She has made amazing progress. Since arriving in the UK seven years ago, she has progressed from pre-entry to L2 and this June she will be sitting GCSE English.
