Every time Maria Aveiro had to fill in a form or write a cheque, she was forced to ask for help – so she decided to do something about it. "It was so frustrating," recalls 42-year-old school cook Maria. So, despite having a full-time job and coping with two teenaged children, Maria – who came to the UK in 1990 - started attending English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes at Cirencester College. Three years later, Portuguese-born Maria has achieved qualifications in letter writing, grammar and shorthand – and even encouraged her husband Luis to join the class to brush up on his spelling! 
Going back to learning makes you an independent person - I gained something very important because now I can fill in forms and write cheques by myself.
 | | Outstanding Adult Learner award nominee Maria Aveiro. |
Her 15-year-old sister Louisa, who only moved to the UK last year, also goes with her to her classes three times a week, and has been able to progress quickly with her school work. Maria says: "Going back to learning makes you an independent person - I gained something very important because now I can fill in forms and write cheques by myself. "I feel so happy with my success and I want to keep studying because I know I have much more to learn. "I have no problem speaking English, and I have no problem in writing Portuguese – but I really found it so difficult writing in English. "I only really decided to do something about it when we moved to Cirencester, away from the rest of my family in Sussex, so I had no one to fill in forms for me! "It is very important for people from other countries to know they can get help, as I did. "I would encourage anyone to come and learn because it is very important and can change your life forever." | 
