Showing just what work can achieve
A WOMAN who arrived in the UK with nothing and unable to speak a word of English has spoken of the inspirational journey of dedication and hard work which has seen her become a senior lecturer at a Welsh university.
Dr Vera Ndrecaj left her home country of Albania with her husband, Gezim, daughter, Albana, and son, Jetmir, back in 2002 in search of a better life after feeling unsafe where they were. They arrived without anything, having to start again in a completely different culture and society. The children were able to speak more English than their parents.
“We didn’t speak English at all. Our kids went through a very basic course in Albania but spoke the very basics at the time, no more than being able to say yes and no, and a few other words like food and water – extremely basic. The reason we decided to move was more of a political reason rather than economic. We decided we would feel safer in Wales.
After moving to the Grangetown area of Cardiff, where they still live today, Albana and Jetmir attended English schools, and Vera went on her own journey. She went on to achieve a BA Hons in business and management then an MBA, a postgraduate certificate in higher education and a PhD.
The 53-year-old has gone on to become an experienced university lecturer, researcher and consultant.
She was a lecturer in supply chain management at the University of South Wales where she successfully directed undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. She is now a senior lecturer and project manager at Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Her children have also both gone on to achieve senior management positions in their chosen paths, following in their mum’s footsteps.