Three sisters return to college to say thank you

THREE sisters who started their UK learner journey at Derby College Group have returned there to thank the lecturers who supported them.

Chandni Mohammad, 25, Manzal Mohammad, 24, and Kajal Mansha, 22, who all still live in Derby, spent their teenage years living and studying in Italy.

The multilingual sisters came to the UK with their family in 2013 and immediately started applying for places to continue their education.

They initially enrolled on Derby College Group’s ICT study programme at the Roundhouse Professional and Technical Skills College which enabled them to progress on to the Joseph Wright post-16 Academic and Arts college where they gained A-levels and top-up GCSE qualifications.

Chandni and Manzal went onto the University of Derby and have now graduated with first-class honours in mathematics as well as gaining the vice chancellor’s award and recognition from the Institute of Mathematics and its Applications.

Chandni is now planning a career in accountancy while Manzal has her sights set on cyber IT.

Their younger sister, Kajal, has completed her second year at the University of Loughborough where she is studying politics and international relations and plans to do humanitarian work after she graduates next year.

All three arranged to meet with their former lecturers, Suzanne Jones and Mark Shore, to update them on their progress and thank them for their support.

Manzal said: “Although we all had good qualifications from Italy, these did not equate to the British education system and we were turned down by several school sixth forms.

“We contacted Derby College and were lucky enough to be accepted on to the ICT course with Suzanne and Mark.”

Kajal said: “It was very refreshing to work in a relaxed environment where everything is related back to the world of work compared to the rigid Italian education system.

“As well as gaining the ICT qualification, we gained a lot of confidence and vastly improved our English.

Chandni said: “This set us on the right track to progress and get the qualifications we needed to go onto university.

“We wanted to come back to College to personally thank Suzanne and Mark who put their trust in us right from the start that we would take the opportunity that they had given us to continue our education.”

Suzanne said: “It was clear from the start that all three were very intelligent and hardworking and it has been wonderful to catch up with them and learn more about their learning journey.

“It is wonderful to see them blossom into highly qualified and confident young women and I am sure they all have a bright future ahead of them.”

Mark Shore said: “They are all great role model to others and demonstrate just what can be achieved through hard work, motivation and commitment.”