Alishia – studying for a BA (Hons) in Caribbean Studies

I have just spent one year of my degree studies at the University of the West Indies.
I had amazing lecturers, access to books, text books and journals. Needless to say I stocked up well and had to bring back and extra suitcase! All materials that I did get also feed into research plans for my dissertation due in April 2010. I am also really proud to say my grades shot up, I maintained A and B grades all the way through!

As a single person with no dependants I have found it increasingly difficult to find financial assistance as a student. Westway’s support over the last two years has enabled me to purchase books that are hard to find and which are never stocked in libraries. Westway has also helped immensely with my travel and the purchasing of all the bits and bobs that make studying that little bit easier.

Caribbean Studies is only offered at London Metropolitan University and is unfortunately not offered at any other institute in the UK, books are limited there and Westway has allowed me to go beyond the materials offered, further enhancing my research and understanding of the Caribbean and the African Diaspora.

Elizabeth – Studying a diploma in Public Services Interpreting

Thanks to this grant I will be able to attend classes at a great university with many facilities (language lab, library etc) and prepare for my DPSI diploma exam. The Institute of Linguistics exam is very difficult and specialised and the fact that I can afford to attend classes, gives me more chance of passing. If I am successful I will be able to immediately work as a Public Services interpreter for the Metropolitan Police, courts and many more organisations. I am very grateful to the Trust for giving me this great chance to get a career.

Karolina – Studying BTEC National Certificate in Kiln Formed Glass – Level 3

I started the course in September 2008 and I was introduced to various techniques of kiln formed glass. We have been presented with much technical knowledge, participated in various discussions and been preparing for independent work as glass artists. We have visited prominent glass artists in their studios to watch and learn the various techniques used in architectural glass. We have also been visiting art galleries and exhibitions relating to our work. I am very pleased with the course that I have chosen. With the help of the Westway Development Trust grant I have been able to purchase glass materials, books and tools.