Every year people from all walks of life around the UK take time to volunteer and make a huge difference to their communities. To learn more and get inspired, read Ayesha’s story below.
Ayesha first met Rugby Volunteer Coordinator, Amy, in April at a DWP Jobs Fair. She was looking to gain experience working with children to pursue her career in education.
They arranged a follow up meeting in person. Ayesha explained that she has lived in the UK for just over two years having moved from Bangladesh with her young family. She has 6 years teaching experience in Bangladesh and is hoping to complete a Teaching Assistant qualification. She also explained that she had contacted several schools and nurseries and had either been rejected or not heard back at all. She felt that her lack of English skills, especially written, were a hinderance.
After looking at the requirements for a teaching assistant course, Amy signposted her to both a range of ESOL classes and suitable volunteering opportunities. Ayesha was particularly interested in roles with Family and Children’s centres, local playgroups, Shine a Light Cancer Support and EQuIP. Amy sent emails to all organisations to introduce Aysha and explain her current situation. Unfortunately, the Children’s Centre were unable to take her on due to not living in the UK for over 5 years, as according to their policy, she would require a Police Clearance Certificate from Bangladesh in addition to a UK enhanced DBS check. This can only be obtained through the Bangladesh Embassy and comes at high cost to the organisation and well as being a lengthy process.
Visit’s to the other organisations were organised, with Amy being able to attend one with her. Ayesha then decided to pursue two roles; one with a church-based toddler group and the another supporting children at a local hotel for asylum seekers and refuges, whilst their parents attend ESOL classes. Both organisations have said due to the nature of there being no lone working, a standard DBS check will be obtainable and are currently in the process of applying for this. In the meantime, both organisations have asked Ayesha to attend the sessions and receive some initial induction and training.
Ayesha is a friendly lady, who is clearly both brave and ambitious to pursue volunteering despite knock-backs and red-tape! She will be a real asset to those she works with as demonstrated by the following comment made after a trial session:
“First of all, thank you – it was lovely to meet you today. We really appreciated you coming in for the trial. Thank you as well, for being so organised. Even on your first day, you made us feel confident and at ease. We already feel that you work very independently, which is wonderful. We would love to have you on board.”
