Using Interpreting to Lift a Community: Kurdi’s Commitment to Helping Others 

Kurdi is studying Level 2 in Interpreting in the Community at Bradford College, building on his GCSE English and previous qualifications to support people across his community through language and communication.

For Kurdi, gaining knowledge and using it to help others is not just a goal, it’s a purpose. “It’s essential for me,” he explains. “Even though I was offered an opportunity in London, I’m still here because I know how important to stay in this college, and I will keep going.” 

Since arriving in the UK, he has completed his GCSE English and worked to achieve a qualification equivalent to the diploma he earned in his home country of Kurdistan. Adjusting to a new country, culture and education system was far from easy, particularly the technical side of English grammar. But his determination quickly set him apart. Kurdi attended every lesson, worked beyond the classroom, and refused to let past trauma overshadow his goals.

Working Hard and Achieving Milestones

His perseverance paid off. Although he narrowly missed a grade 4 by just a few marks in the summer exam, he achieved iy during the November re‑sits. This is a personal milestone that he he values deeply.
“This is an accomplishment for me to be honest because the system is so different than my home country.” He goes on to explain, “I do not have the equivalent yet, but I am studying Community Interpreting and I really love it.”  

A Voice for Those Who Need One 

Kurdi originally chose Bradford College because it was local, after finding Leeds too far. That decision opened the door to something even more meaningful: the chance to volunteer.

For the past two years, he has supported people through the NHS and Bevan, offering interpreting in Kurdish, Kermanji, Sorani, Behdini, Zazaki, Arabic and English.

His own experience as an asylum seeker gives him profound empathy for those he helps.

“They cannot say what they want,” he explains. “So when you listen to them, when you help them, you feel happy. As an asylum seeker, you go through a lot – pressure, being alone. It is not easy. But when I do these little things to help, I feel happy.”

Breaking Barriers and Building Understanding 

For Kurdi, language is about far more than vocabulary — it is a bridge between people, cultures and communities. Learning English has opened access to academic journals, research and digital resources that are less available in his first languages. But its deeper value lies in breaking down barriers.

“It’s not about money; it’s about humanity,” he says. “When I do interpreting for people, I’m doing it for free, but I’m very happy because I am able to build myself up. I’m learning the language to learn about the culture.”

He believes language creates unity and mutual respect.

“Before, many people didn’t like many countries. But since they used the English language, they understood each other. They built one bridge… It’s about understanding, accepting and respecting each other.”

Age is Just a Number 

A core belief guides Kurdi through his studies: “Age is just a number.”

He acknowledges that learning can feel easier when you’re young, but insists it should never stop. Balancing study, volunteering and daily responsibilities, he stays focused through careful planning.

“I write down my plans for every single day. It’s difficult, but nothing is easy in life. Life is not a place to rest. It’s a place to educate ourselves, keep learning, keep going, keep supporting people and supporting ourselves.”

A Message to Future Interpreters 

Kurdi strongly encourages others to pursue interpreting, especially at Bradford College. With a national shortage of interpreters, he believes now is the perfect time to learn.

“If you know a language, please do this course,” he says. “I am really happy when I come to the College for my classes. It’s helping me develop skills I can use in the future.”

He ends with heartfelt gratitude, “The College is teaching me how to love everybody, how to be more united. Thank you for the great staff we have, for hearing us and supporting us. It’s just a family.”

If you are interested in doing a Community Interpreting Course like Kurdi, click here.