The real life of a migrant worker

Raimonda tells her story as part of BBC H&W's This Is England series Raimonda Cioga de Almeida

My name is Raimonda Cioga de Almeida, and first I came to Herefordshire from Lithuania is summer of 2000, to work on a farm, picking strawberries as part of a student programme.

After a tough few years starting out here, I saw a good side of Herefordshire people - how friendly and supportive they are when they rooting for you Raimonda Cioga de Almeida

I made loads of other student friends, but I was working so hard that I didn't have time off, or opportunities to meet the local community.

After living in Portugal for three and half years, I returned to the county in 2005, with my daughter Julija (then nine).

First we were living in a caravan on another farm, and then moving into Hereford, when I got a job as a care worker - so I had a chance to get to know Herefordshire people.

On Film

Learning to play the piano and accordion, in front of teachers and audience at my music school in Lithuania, helped me to develop confidence, so when I heard that The Rural Media Company was looking for somebody from Eastern Europe to take part in a community film I took a chance.

Having experienced some hostility, and even outright racism, while living in the county, I felt welcomed immediately by the Crafta Webb group.

People were really warm - they knew my name, they were shaking my hand saying 'we've heard all about you'.

Raimonda Cioga de Almeida (left) with her daughter.

After a tough few years starting out here, I saw a good side of Herefordshire people - how friendly and supportive they are when they rooting for you.

I and my daughter made good friends among the group, and my confidence increased.

I always consider ways in which I might help the migrant community become more integrated here.

Also I help the council, when they need interpreter for migrants who get in some kind of problems.

Lifetime dream

After completing my training while working I was offered a place in Worcester University, where I am going to take a course of Adult Nursing - this is my life time dream.

There were many years thinking of how much I wanted this to happen.

In my country I could never afford to do so, Britain gave me an opportunity, so that is why here is my home.

Here I am going to work hard to succeed, so I can have better future.

Also my daughter will understand that she will always have the power to choose.

There is so much out there - we just need to take it.

In my country there is only one way - no choice.