Courage

I have mentioned a few times that I do some voluntary teaching once a week; we are open to anyone who wants to learn or improve their spoken English, and although we do some written work, most of our lessons are all about speaking, all about conversation.

We have students from all over the world; today for example the countries of origin were Afghanistan, Algeria,Chile, China,Greece, Iran,Poland, Romania, Somalia and Thailand.  Just recently some of our other students returned to Venezuela and Spain… so that gives just a little glimpse into the variety of mother tongues we have.

All of our students have stories to tell of how and why they arrived in this country. Without identifying the particular student or the country of origin, I just want to mention something I heard today. This young person at the age of sixteen left their own country through fear of death and torture, and looking for a better future where there would be education and work and stability and the chance of a happy, safe and productive life. The young person I am thinking of was the only carer of a sick grandmother and when she died a decision had to be made… to stay in a dangerous, a very dangerous situation, or make an equally dangerous bid for a better life.

The decision was made to leave, and a journey began; the traveller passed through many countries, some of which were as dangerous as the one left behind. Even a country which shared the same religion was dominated by a different sect and the young traveller, little more than a child could trust no-one, and could not even seek solace by practising the religion followed since birth.

Eventually after many miles covered in different ways, and no doubt with many incidents which must have been extremely dangerous and extremely frightening, the young feet stepped onto British soil… stepped into freedom and hope.

This young person is now eighteen and attending college as well as coming to our group; there is a bright future ahead, but as the tale was told to me, a tear gathered… so sad to leave a beloved homeland, so grateful for the welcome and kindness received here, so determined to repay that by working honestly and diligently and contributing to the new country.

As I listened to the story, told with humour and a little pride, I couldn’t help but think that my own children, though young, are older than this courageous and brave young person.