WHEN Ghazala Ahmed arrived in Bolton in 1987, she could not speak much English and relied on her family to do everyday things such as make appointments.

But since enrolling on the English for Speakers of Other Languages Course, she is now helping her son with his school work, involving herself in the community she lives in and is considering a career.

Mrs Ahmed, aged 42, says the course has been life-changing for her.

The mother-of-four said: “I have so much more confidence, without ESOL I would not even be thinking of a career and doing other courses.”

Now Mrs Ahmed, who lives in Daubhill, is joining other students urging the Government to reconsider its decision to cut funding for the course.

Proposed Government cuts to ESOL would mean that from August only people looking for work or on jobseekers allowance or employment support allowance would qualify for lessons.

Bolton College students are campaigning against the move by petitioning and leafleting to gain support and urge the Government to think again.

Mrs Ahmed said: “It would be difficult for many students to attend the course if this went ahead.”

Fellow student Nazia Khan, aged 26, could speak a little English when she settled in Daubhill five years ago.

Mrs Khan said: “My English is much better and my confidence has increased. This course is very important.”

ESOL lecturer Helen Dickson said: “I’m proud of the ESOL students for supporting the petition to raise awareness of the recent ESOL cuts, which will be sent to further education minister, John Hayes.”