The twice-weekly
classes are held within Barnet and Southgate College, at Burnt Oak, and are currently being attended by approximately 30 Nepal-born adults from the nearby area.
A spokeswoman from the college stated that attendance levels had been excellent, with the teachers finding the students to be eager to develop their English skills. She added:
“One of the more senior students told her teacher through a translator that this was the first time she had ever been in a classroom in her life, and she was pleased to be taught how to use a pen.”
Taking place on the Colindale campus owned by the college, the Armed Forces Community Covenant project is meeting the costs of the group.
A significant number of those who attend the classes are over the age of 60, with the majority being either the families of ex Ghurkha soldiers living in the local area, thanks to the ‘right of abode’ project, or actual former servicemen.
Printing companies in Potters Bar and other areas can always be used by groups like this, to ensure that they have all of the printed teaching materials they need to keep the classes running smoothly.