Transcript for: Working in England and Pakistan

Interviewee: Balqees Akhtar Ali

Subject: Employment and Housework

I used to sew clothes shirts, trousers I did that at home for a little while then I got fed up, there was a factory that sewed bed sheets, pillows

Which factory was it can you remember the name?
B-Baker

Where was it?
�Lockwood that was for a little while, then I got fed up then I worked here sewing cushions in an English factory, then I went to Pakistan for a holiday, then I came back and went to the doctor and he said there is a school for special needs children to work there.

Which School is it?
Highfield School, I worked there and was really happy with the children, I looked at the children and used to feel sorry for them thinking that its Gods glory that these children are so helpless and they really need my help so I was happy and put my heart into it and worked with the children. I still work there now and think its really nice working with the children. I've been there for nine years working with the children and am really happy you shouldn't give up no matter what the work is you should do it.

When you were in Pakistan did you work then?
No, we stayed at home our mum never let us go out she said you should stay at home and work. In Islam we were taught to stay and learn at home read book, learn the teachings, learn sewing embroidery learn everything. When we would say we don't want to they would say learn everything you never know when you might need it. Don't learn because your going to do it learn everything sewing embroidery needlework, cook rotis, handi, cleaning teach you children everything because later in life they might need it, a hunor [skill]. We learnt and what my mum told me thats what I needed and that hunor of sewing I used.