Ibrahim

Ibrahim is from the Middle East. His English level is very low. He has a stable home life, and lives with his sister and both parents. He comes to some of the voluntary sessions. He tells me that he does not like people who talk too much (in English). He loves being outside in nature and enjoys the field trips and camping. During the camping trip he starts to work with the other students to convey English messages. He discusses how to erect the tents. This is the first time I have seen him communicate clearly. He also brings some homemade food for everyone to share. He likes to talk about this food and wants everyone to eat it. He uses English to persuade his colleagues.
He is nowhere to be seen when it comes to the editing. He refuses to turn up to IT sessions. He says again that the people talk too much and too loudly. I cannot convince him to return to these sessions. He wants to get work experience and I organise a new project for him. He is a painter and decorator in his homeland. He becomes the director of a decoration project in a local community centre. He is happy to control his workers. He is very abrupt in his direction and instructions. He has gentle guidance in how to assign roles politely. He starts to use these new phrases in his new context. His team respond more positively.
He is studying on a part time ESOL programme at Entry 3.