When you don’t know what it’s like to work as a NZ policeman or to run a Kiwi business, it helps to hear straight from the horse’s mouth.

Adult ESOL learners at our Palmerston North centre have been studying careers and jobs, and spent time looking at job types, personal qualities needed and their own skills and abilities. It’s helped them learn more of how to shape their own career paths here in New Zealand.

A variety of guests joined the class to talk about their work. Learners really enjoyed hearing the ‘real story’ behind people’s everyday working lives.

Sanjeeva Singamsetty owns local grocery shop, Cook St Minimart. He explained some of the practicalities behind starting a small business. While Sanjeeva stressed it’s important to make a profit, it can’t be done without planning, working hard and making sure that what you are doing makes you happy.

Learner Mohammad Reza Safari’s dream is to set up a shop/supply chain warehouse selling Afghani goods – talking with Sanjeeva was really helpful.

Daniel Gamboa, from the Office of Ethnic Communities, shared his story of coming to New Zealand as an 18-year-old refugee. He talked about how difficult it was to learn English but that with hard work and perseverance, and lots of English practice he could follow his dream. He also talked about the new Ministry for Ethnic Communities opening on 1 July and what this means for our learners.

Sergeant Qian Yang also made a surprise visit. His new role as Central District Ethnic Liaison Coordinator for the Police covers Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Whanganui and Levin – a wide area indeed!

The ESOL Intensive and Literacy classes enjoyed all the speakers and found inspiration to keep studying English so they can follow their personal dreams.

Need better English? Join one of our English classes – work towards your Kiwi dream!