Zyad

What support did you recieve from MST?

I started on the DR LES project in 2007.

I found out about the project through a friend in the community, Faris, who was already a ‘student’ on the programme.

How did the support help?

When I first came here, I couldn’t speak English and I would ask friends straight away or my support worker for help. But then I decided that I wanted to learn English. And now I can understand you and her and people on the phone – I can do things myself. I feel 100% different .

Through the project I did an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Langauges) course and I’ve been on a support into work course. I wouldn’t have done the courses or had the confidence if it hadn’t been for the project and my support worker.

Saddia, my support worker) is very great. She’s very friendly and helps to support people. She helps with British culture, English language, getting to school, getting a job and everything else as well! 

Back home in Kuwait I was in building and construction, and carwashing. But I wanted to get into catering, so Saddia gave me support for this. I now work at Quiznos sub (sandwich bar like Subway) at Westfield Shopping Centre in Derby. I do customer service, prepare food and I do cash handling – a bit of everything.

What's for the future?

My plan is to go to university. I have an interview to access Derby University this week and I need to pass a test for literacy. If I pass that I should be eligible for a foundation course. I then want to study business management.

Some people don’t try, but I want to move on. I’m where I wanted to be. I’m happy, but I have to try all the time and improve considerably.  

 

Zyad was on the DR LES project, an education and learning project that helped refugees into training or employment in Derby until 2008. A new project, RIES, with similar goals now operates in the east Midlands. Read more about RIES.

Forum News

Volunteering What’s on

Employment Service user guide

Feedback People