My story
My name is Balwant Bubber and I have lived in Derby for twenty-eight years. I came to Derby to marry my fiancée and started my education in England in 1994 as my son was studying his GCSEs. I started the learning process then and have achieved from my GCSEs to a Masters in Education.

The language barrier
When I came to this country, I had many challenges. When I arrived, I wasn't ready to speak English. Language was the biggest obstacle; buying a bottle of milk, counting money etc.

Shopping, language and money were big issues for me. I wasn't prepared to come here and get a job straight away. My first job paid £12 per week which I had to pay my rent out of, so I had a money crisis. I had nothing left from this to spend on improving my education.

Language for life
I needed to learn English because my children were growing up at that time - one was doing his GSCEs. Learning English and getting other qualifications helped my family because I was able to support them when they were at college. Being a student yourself, having been through the process, you understand what university is about. Learning prepares you for life and the issues you will encounter in the future.

A positive experience
The learning environment was very good. The tutors were down to earth and supported me throughout my studies. I did my first GCSE in the multicultural centre for ethnic minorities in Derby. Most students there were from ethnic backgrounds and the center helped everybody gain qualifications.

Balancing act
Finding time from the business wasn't easy. It's hard for any business person.

It wasn't easy to get time off to contribute to my education. But I achieved because of the support of my wife, and my children who supported me throughout. I am now able to serve my community through various schemes.

You can do it!
My very simple advice for someone who wants to go back into learning is: if I can do it, you can do it. All you need is commitment.

If you are committed to education and learning you will be solving problems for yourself and your community as well. You can become an asset to the area where you live.

Making a change in your community is important! Everyone has the power to make change. So do your best and commit yourself.

Rewarding Achievement
I am very proud of my NIACE award. They are a charity who encourage people from different communities to go back into to learning. They recognised my achievements from having no English to (getting) a Master's degree and I am still continuing to study.

I want to go back and do a degree in law. I would like to encourage others to achieve through learning.