Agnesa’s story

Agnesa is from Albania. She has a son who was born in the UK.

‘I came here on my own in 2017 to live safer life. I learnt English in school when I lived in Albania, but when I came to the UK, I could speak only a little bit. I could only say who I am and where I am from. I was not able to have a conversation. Back in Albania we learn American English, so it was really hard for me to get used to the British accent.

When I had my son, health visitor advised me to get in touch with LEAH to improve my English. She explained that they would come into my house and help me and I was very excited about it. I spent more than a year with LEAH, and I stopped my lessons last year. I learnt a low. It was difficult with my son being around, but my teacher supported me. She gave me many exercises to do and we talked a lot.

My teacher was brilliant she has helped me with everything I need. I can now go to GP and explain everything, I can make phone calls and email, I can make a complaint if I need. I feel more confident. Of course, I still make mistakes, but I can ask for everything I need, and I can talk to teachers at my son’s nursery. I talk to other parents. My writing still needs more improvement.

Now I am attending an Entry 3 English course in a local college. I started my studies in Autumn 2020. It is different from LEAH sessions. My LEAH one-to-one teacher knew exactly how she can help me. In a college class we are all at different levels and teachers work with the whole class. Some parts I find too easy and it is not like it was with LEAH when I learnt new things every time. But I do need a qualification to study further and get a job. I also enjoy longer classes and meeting new people.

I am not sure about my future and what I would like to do. I has started a hairdresser course, but I do have a law degree and masters from Albania. I have to see how many years it may take to get my law degree approved here. My plan for now is to spend another year learning English and then think about my career.

I would suggest LEAH lessons to many people. Even if it may seem at first that you are not learning much, you will see with time that your English is improving. You will be spending an hour a week talking to another person just in English and they will be supporting you and improving your confidence.