Dinesh has severe arthritis, is registered blind and he left school with only basic literacy skills in his own language, Gujerati.  He was unable to read or write English, his second language. He left work at his family’s grocer after 20 years to get another job, but needed literacy skills. He was unable to access English courses as his starting level was too low, but he decided to persist by himself.  He joined a learning centre and, helped by a learner support worker, he worked for 18 months to gain the minimum level needed.  He is now improving his literacy skills on a variety of courses and wants to find a job soon.
He has grown in confidence, interacts in class and is now assertive with his opinions. He says: “I like learning and meeting people. Attending CETS and learning makes me feel good about myself. My family are pleased for me.”

Dinesh Bhura is aged 50 from Thornton Heath, south London and he was nominated by Bernadette Blackwell, Croydon CETS