Nirmala

My name is Nirmala and I live in South Africa. I am a legally qualified claims advisor who is well versed in the English language having studied English during the course of my studies. My interest in teaching English was raised due to my involvement in cultural and religious activities in my community. Most of these activities are designed to promote learning amongst the indigent children in the community. It was during this time that I became more aware of how much children struggle with grasping of the English language. It was also evident that their lack of knowledge impedes them from progressing with their normal school curriculum. With this in mind, I volunteered to teach English to students of various ages within the community. I am married and have four children. We are a close unit and enjoy socialising, travelling and experiencing different cultures and cuisines. I have a Postgraduate degree in Law. I work as a legal advisor and claims assistant and in these positions I have also noted how people, whose native language is not English, struggle to speak and write basic English. Whilst teaching, on a voluntary basis, the students in the community, I noticed that there were many adults in the same community that also faced difficulties with English. This peaked my interest in teaching and I offered more of my free time to assist both young and adult learners within the community. I have a total of three years experience teaching students of various ages in the community. Having spent this time with students within the community, I have noted that learners are individuals and each have their own specific educational needs and therefore require individual programmes to reach their full potential. This cannot always be achieved in a classroom with large numbers of learners. Therefore I find that teaching an individual with specific attention to their needs more helpful. I get to know the student and develop a programme best suited to their individual needs. Lessons can be repeated to reinforce and recall work done thus facilitating learners reaching their goals. This ultimately keeps the learner motivated, confident and eager to reach their full potential.