From Sri Lanka to @CAVC – Priyantha is following his dream to become a teacher
After fleeing Sir Lanka due to political hostility and ethnic conflicts, Cardiff and Vale College student Priyantha Gamage is now aiming to continue his studies and become a teacher in the UK.
Priyantha has now spent three years as an asylum seeker in the UK and is still awaiting a final decision on his case. This has left him unable to work to fund his studies to improve his English and become a teacher in the UK.
However, following dialogue with the Refugee Council and interview process, Priyantha has been awarded the English UK Wales regional group scholarship place on CAVC’s full-time IELT programme. IELTS, or the International English Language Test System is the international standardised test of English language proficiency for non-native speakers.
“Priyantha considers returning to his home in Sri Lanka as impossible due to the ongoing hostilities and would like to settle in Cardiff with his family, so he is desperately hoping for a positive outcome on his case,” CAVC Deputy Head of English for International Students Jim Shields said.
“Cardiff is a safe and friendly city that has made me feel very welcome,” Priyantha said. “My son has started school here and has made lots of friends! I see Cardiff as a city of many opportunities.”
English UK Wales are supporting Priyantha to study IELTS full time at CAVC and he will take his IELTS in early June.
“Cardiff and Vale College is a fantastic environment and I have been very happy with the course – I think the quality of the teaching has been excellent,” he said.
“Priyantha hopes to find work to continue his studies to become a qualified teacher in the UK, though this will of course have to wait until the decision regarding his asylum case has been made,” Jim said. “Everyone at English UK Wales and at the College wishes Priyantha the best of luck with his studies, IELTS exam and Asylum application.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Photo shows Priyantha Gamage at CAVC’s City Centre Campus
- Cardiff and Vale College is one of the top companies for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the National Centre for Diversity’s 2016 Top 100 Index
- Cardiff and Vale College was awarded College of the Year at the 2015 Insider Business and Education Partnership Awards
- Apply now to join CAVC in Sept 2016: visit for details
- Why not follow the latest updates from Cardiff and Vale College on Facebook or Twitter @cavc?
For more information contact:
Chris Baker
Communications Officer
Tel: 01446 725003. Mob: 07932 770938
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