Dewan Jesmin Islam
Dewan Jesmin Islam came to England as a Bangladeshi qualified teacher in 1993.
She was aware that she would need UK qualifications and English classes to continue her career and so began a 14 year relationship with Kensington and Chelsea College.
The part-time courses and flexibility of the college meant that Jesmin was able to care for her own family and study at the same time.
Having progressed from initial English classes and IT beginners’ courses, to gaining Childcare qualifications at levels 3 and 4, Jesmin also gained qualifications in the CMI Chartered Institute of Management (Level 3) and an NVQ in Management (Level 4).
She is now studying for the Foundation Degree in Early Years at KCC, validated by London South Bank University.
The difficulties of balancing her family life with degree level study would, she says, be considerably more difficult without the support of tutors at KCC – and of course, that of her husband.
Jesmin’s determination to carry on her work with children, combined with the learning, support and encouragement provided by the college and its tutors has enabled her to reach her goals.
Currently managing a 60 place nursery in the West End, Jesmin is hoping to study for a full degree and gain Qualified Teacher Status after 2009, to achieve her dream of working in London as an Early Years teacher.
