Majed is from Syria, where she was a mother and studied Arabic literature. She has been in New Zealand for one and a half years. She came here as a refugee with her family, fleeing a war zone: “I never thought I would have to leave Syria, she said, “but suddenly I faced building a new life in a different country and leaving everything familiar behind.

The hardest part to life in New Zealand has been learning English. I went to English Language Partners: I like the education programme there because it not only helped me to learn English but also taught me a lot about life in New Zealand like places, shopping, weather, doctors, schools and much more. This was helpful because it was hard to find that information ourselves with not much English. In addition I made friends, which was very important to me because when I arrived I didn’t know anyone. Add to that that English Language Partners assigned an English language volunteer home tutor who we can ask for help about anything like homework, explaining a letter in the mail or just talking over a cup of tea.

Now, after one and a half years learning, I can communicate with people, attend a level 3 English course in Whitireia Polytechnic and even give a speech in Parliament. It has even given me the language to get a job at Pomegranate Kitchen. I thank English Language Partners and my friendly teachers there, and also ACE Aotearoa for supporting adult learning.”