Alia arrived from Pakistan in 2013 under an arranged marriage. She spoke no English and soon found her life restricted to taking care of her husband’s 16 family members. This is her story:
“I immediately had my phone taken from me and I was not allowed outside. I spent the next 10 years cooking and cleaning for everyone. My life was so different. I was used to my own independence but now I was terrified, lonely and with no one to help me.
I got my children ready for school but my sister-in-law took over as if she was their mum and told them that I was a bad mother and that I did not love them. My husband was violent and I regularly experienced domestic abuse.
One morning in 2023 I saw my chance to escape. A lady called the police who collected my children and we were taken to a women’s refuge. I finally felt safe.
Life was still scary for me as I had no friends and everything was new. The first time I went outside on my own, I cried at the bus stop as I did not know what I was doing or how to ask for help.
My social worker introduced me to Train2Work Academy and I began my first English course in September 2023.
The staff at the centre were so reassuring and caring. My teacher taught me how to study, join a library and the joy of reading books. I practised English with my classmates and I began to feel less fearful and more confident. I have now completed courses in ESOL Reading and Writing, and Numeracy. My classmates support me and we have become friends.
I am happy to say that I have found my very first job volunteering for the British Heart Foundation. Although my English is still not perfect, I am able to comfortably talk to customers and we laugh together. This gives me work experience, allows me to integrate and also give back to the community I live in. My children are also much happier. I can help them with their homework and we actually choose to speak in English at home. I now look forward to our future and dream of finding a job as a school dinner lady or as a kitchen supervisor.
Train2Work Academy has been with me every step of the way. I have learned useful skills like finding work, communicating with others and British Values. I am now on an Essential Digital Skills course as I spent a decade without access to a phone or computer. This course will help me to finally become comfortable and independent with technology especially when paying bills and shopping.
I am grateful to Lambeth Adult Learning and Train2Work Academy. Finally, I would like to say to anyone who is experiencing domestic violence at home that London is full of opportunities. British Values are on the side of women. In the eyes of the law, everyone is equal and has equal rights. The unknown may appear scary at first but with the right support, life becomes easier.”