Dreaming while facing an impossible choice: Shadia’s Experience with the IELTS English Classes
Personal names have been changed for privacy reasons.
Background
Shadia, a professional who worked in the treatment of cancer patients, lived with her three children and husband in Sharg En Nile, a district in the Khartoum state in the heart of Sudan, before she was displaced from her home country due to violent conflicts.
Shadia was born in the UK in the 1980s; however, her family moved back to Sudan when she was one and a half years old.
She grew up in Sudan, where she raised her children until October 2022, the point at which she decided to leave her home country and return to the UK. While Shadia had considered leaving before the recent civil war began in April 2023, the safety of her children became the tipping point.
In December 2019, several street protests arose, leading to blockages on various roads and bridges in Khartoum. Shadia had to cross one of these bridges to get to the hospital where she used to work. Her oldest daughter also needed to regularly cross this bridge to get to her university. However, the frequent and unprecedented closures due to violent attacks were becoming unmanageable.
“Sometimes there was no transport. And sometimes when I had to work there I [couldn’t] return home. Even sometimes I had to walk, and cross the bridge after spending all the day in treatment of cancer patients in the hospital […] In the evening, maybe 7:00 o’clock, 6:00 o’clock, [I couldn’t] return to my home”.
Facing an Impossible Choice, Shadia Leaves Sudan
Shadia’s constant fear or her daughter not making it home safely became unbearable. Faced with this impossible choice, she made what she called “the biggest decision of her life”. With a heavy heart, she packed her bags and departed with her three children, leaving her husband and the life they had built together behind.
“I began to think about my children, about my daughter […] We have a British passport, so we decided to come here. All of my family support me, even my husband [and] my mum”
Her Involvement with the IELTS English Classes in Peacehaven
Shadia’s educational background in Sudan included English language studies. University textbooks were primarily in English, helping her develop reading and writing skills. However, she did not have any conversational experience before coming to the UK.
Upon her arrival, Shadia knew she needed to improve her spoken English. With clear goals in mind, she shared:
“I began to think about what I want: I want to apply for a job and I want to be more social in the UK”
Determined to improve her language skills and following the recommendation of a friend, she joined a group of Sudanese women in Peacehaven taking IELTS English classes offered by Diversity Resource International C.I.C. (DRI), and formerly funded by the Chalk Cliff Trust.
In August 2023, Shadia found herself surrounded by other Sudanese women, all aiming to find jobs and settle comfortably.
After only six months, Shadia was able to have conversations with others in her second language, but she did not feel ready for her IELTS exam. She voiced her concerns about struggling to understand the English accent of native speakers, which is a key component of the listening section of the test.
However, her confidence has increased thanks to the acquisition of new language skills.
“I feel more confident talking to people. On the bus I can talk to people” she laughed. “I try my best, and I always respond when someone speaks to me, even in [public] transport”
Dreams and Long-Term Goals
Shadia’s journey in the UK is one of determination and growth. While her educational background in Sudan included English, speaking it fluently was a new frontier. One of Shadia’s goals is to communicate fluently in English no matter the conversation’s topic.
Passing her IELTS exam would open new doors for her to find a job where she can put her professional skills back into practice and provide a better future for herself, her children, and communities in the UK who can benefit from her expertise in the healthcare industry.
Since December 2023, she’s been volunteering at a local food bank in Brighton, interacting with a diverse range of people. This experience has not only helped those in need but also boosted her English skills by requiring her to communicate effectively with other volunteers and community members.
Shadia’s passion and self-motivation shine through her commitment to follow the necessary steps to rejoin her career. She has expressed her willingness to further engage in educational opportunities that can increase her chances of finding a job where she can demonstrate the abilities she has gained throughout her previous studies and professional experiences.
About the IELTS English Classes
DRI delivers IELTS English Classes to participants from ethnically diverse communities in Peacehaven who are preparing for their IELTS exam. Students predominantly have come from Sudan and have professional careers in the healthcare and education industries in their home country.
We received funding from the Chalk Cliff Trust to deliver English classes from August to December 2023. At the start of 2024, we received further funding from 3VA to continue the lessons for 12 weeks, covering the cost for DRI to acquire refurbished laptops for the students to practise for their tests.
In March, Sussex Community Foundation granted us a further £5000 for the continuation of this project until October 2024.
Now, we are seeking donations to support the classes. If this cause resonates with you, please consider donating. All contributions will directly impact the futures of these learners, empowering them to fulfil their dreams of passing the IELTS exam and rebuilding their careers in the UK.