Our People
Jamal - Head of Community Languages
As the head of our Community Language Service, Jamal knows more than a thing or two about the many different communities that live side by side in Tower Hamlets.
"The history of our Community Language Service can be traced back to the 1970s, when local community groups decided to promote their first languages and ensure children could speak the mother tongue of their parents. Since the 80s, local authorities realised the benefits of supporting this idea - such as increasing community cohesion and education.
Today, our team consists of 200 part time teachers and community workers who work with schools and after-school clubs to teach everything from Somali and Bengali to Turkish and Cantonese. We're seen as a model of good practice for wider government. And not only is our work rewarding, the training and professional development we offer is excellent. I should know. I started as a teacher, became an LEA adviser and now I run the entire service (and chair two council forums too).
Of course it's not always easy. Currently, we've a problem with the recruitment and retention of Somali teachers. But developing the unique diversity of the borough is worth the hard work and the challenges."