Mary's story — 21 Apr 2011

Mary comes from Burundi which is a very poor country in Africa.  Mary didn't get anyone to support her to pay for school fees and therefore she never went to school in Burundi.  As a consequence, Mary didn't know how to read and write but she wanted to learn.

Mary lived in London for 10 years but did not access education for a number of reasons.  She moved to Scotland in May 2010.  She contacted Women's Aid and explained that she never went to school or college and asked where she could go to learn to read. 

Mary was referred on to Glasgow Life's English classes in May 2010.  Initially she came twice a week and then four times a week.  She still attends classes at Eastbank Conference and Training Centre every week.  Since attending, Mary's confidence has grown and she is now going to college.   Mary is pleased with the learning and says: ‘I am happy now because I can write my name.  The Glasgow Life service is very good because they are very friendly.  I am not struggling to ask questions.  They explain things to me very well. I like it. I like our classes.'

Mary elaborated on the skills she has learned and the difference the learning is making to her physical and mental wellbeing.  She said, ‘I feel very good because I can now read a little bit, for example a letter or bills.  I continue to learn at every class and I have learned a lot in a few months.  Also Glasgow Life gave me the opportunity to learn the computer and I am very happy for that.  Using the keyboard is helping because sometimes I can't write with my hands because I have rheumatoid arthritis.  Coming to the classes also helps me mentally. I feel good.'