ASYLUM SEEKERS ARE FAST TRACK SCHOLARS

The first asylum seekers in Castlemilk to gain the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) did the course in the record time of two months.

Amanmeet Khana from Afghanistan and Nasir Ali Khan from Pakistan went along to Castlemilk Learning Centre in the Birgidale Complex and with the support of the resident staff, completed the full seven modules within an exceptionally short time.

Said Castlemilk Learning Centre Manager Joe McCabe-Smith, 'This is a wonderful achievement for both of them. Amanmeet has moved on to take her HNC at Glenwood Campus of Langside College and got a real boost from the ECDL programme. Nasir has a degree from Pakistan but needed the ECDL to
forward his ambition here to be an interpreter.'

They are among 25 local residents who have completed the ECDL at the Centre. Already another 60 people, including other asylum seekers, have signed up for the course with most of them having
completed their first few modules. The ECDL is a qualification recognised Europe-wide verifying the degree of competence of the holder in a variety of computer skills.

Nasir, who graduated in economics in Pakistan and has been in Scotland less than a year, commented, 'I was very familiar with computers as I used them at home. But this has given me a good foundation and makes me realise how much more I can learn about different aspects of IT. As an asylum seeker, I am not permitted to take any paid work or to study at a higher level, so I use my time to study more about computers and to encourage other asylum seekers to take advantage of the facilities which are available, and free, at the castlemilk Learning Centre in the Birgidale Complex. Any time I have any difficulty I come to see Joe and he is always willing to help me.'

Amanmeet was 16 when she and her family found refuge in Castlemilk. 'I had been educated at home but had no certificates for the English, Mathematics and other subjects I had been taught,' she said.
'I needed to improve my English and wanted to learn about computers because I believe IT is very important.'

With help from Castlemilk Community Centre, she found her way to Langside College and gained Level 3 in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). After an initial course on the internet at Castlemilk
Library, Amanmeet was advised to go to the Castlemilk Learning Centre at Birgidale. 'I really enjoyed studying there,' said Amanmeet. 'It is a calm place and the people are really helpful. You can work at your own pace.' She said the welcoming, informal learning environment in the Centre helped her a lot. Now she plans to gain an HNC and HND in office administration before trying for University.

Castlemilk Learning Centre is a project of Castlemilk Economic Development Agency and is funded by them and Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, Home in Scotland, Communities Scotland and Langside College.