Gurkha wives and daughters taking lessons in British life

By adam westgarth

HUNDREDS of Nepalese women have signed up to a new course aimed at helping them integrate into British society.

The School of English Studies recently started the three-year programme for Gurkha wives and daughters from across Shepway, Dover, Ashford and Canterbury.

The free lessons run for 26 weeks and focus on English, citizenship, IT and employability skills. Tutors hope they will help Nepalese women settle easier into UK life.

Launched in March, the course is currently fully-booked and there is a waiting list for the next set of lessons.

SES project manager Julie Hanks said: "We have 160 Nepalese women currently on our first course and they are due to finish in September.

"We have more ladies waiting to do the next round of courses after that. The lessons are proving to be very popular."

SES, based in Grimston Gardens, Folkestone, has seen such a high interest in the integration courses it is now looking for extra qualified tutors to help out.

The lessons are held across the south of Kent and feedback has been positive from pupils.

Mrs Hanks added: "The ladies have said they are really enjoying the course, as it lets them meet other people and learn about British culture.

"The SES staff have also got to meet new people and learn about Nepalese culture, so everyone is benefiting from these free lessons. We have a few contacts in the local Nepalese community and we told them about the course we wanted to offer.

"It has just snowballed through word-of-mouth.

"It will all count towards any applications made for citizenship."

For more information about the course, call the SES on 01303 854956.