STUDENTS from Al-Hayat Language Centre celebrated their achievements in learning English and integrating into British society.

A gathering took place at the restaurant Shahi Qila, Shear Bank Road, Blackburn, attended by students of the language centre programme, from the WELCOME project’s Syrian Refugees, SPICE – Supporting Progression and Integration through Community Education, and the Home Office Building a Stronger Britain Together (BSBT) programme.

The event was organised to celebrate diversity and integration from local minority communities, with students giving impassioned speeches on their personal experiences with both learning English and leaving behind their previous countries.

A Syrian couple spoke of their experiences, saying: “There was no other choice than to leave Syria, the war took some of my dear friends and my memories.

“I finally feel safe and would like to thank the British Government for giving us the opportunity to stand on our feet again.”

Javid Khan MBE, chairman of Al-Hayat, said: “I got involved with Al Hayat for a number of reasons. I knew they had the ability and skills to make it work.

“At first, they had the vision and the dream to set up a language school.

“If you think about their life journeys, they were here a few months ago with no English, and the development now has been stellar.”

Mr Khan also thanked everyone for their support and to the students taking part.

Cllr Iftakhar Hussain, of the Bastwell Ward, said: “Al Hayat is based in my ward, and this is good for the community, it’s like networking.

"The students are telling their stories, and this improves their confidence, as well as increasing integration and community cohesion.”