Jon presented certificates to learners who have studied for accredited programmes offered by the Bangladesh Youth and Cultural Shomiti (BYCS) from September 2012 to August 2013.

Jon said: “I was pleased to be asked to return to BYCS to present certificates to the adult learners. In addition to a wide range of courses, BYCS provides a long standing service to the community and meets the needs of the local community.”

Learners were present who had studied for GCSE English and Bengali, vocational courses, such as ICT, and employability skills.

Jon commented: “Education helps to improve people’s confidence, brings people and communities together, as well as improving employment prospects. Hopefully some of the learners will go on to take further courses next year”

Councillor Dr Chowdhury, Programme Development Manager at BYCS, stated: “This Presentation Event once again allows us to recognise and celebrate the success of our learners. Our warm congratulations go to all our learners. They have clearly demonstrated that there is a pool of learners who wish to engage in learning at a community setting and they have enormous enthusiasm to make progress in life.”

Jon Ashworth, along with May Jones MBE, opened the Saffron Fete on Saturday 17 August at Midday.

Speaking before the Fete Jon said: “The Saffron Fete is a fantastic event and I am pleased to be asked to open such an important community event with May who has given so much to the area. As always, I will have a stall at the Fete and I’m looking forward to meeting as many local people as possible.”

There were many activities at the Fete on Aylestone Recreation Ground including fair rides, a bouncy castle, a football tournament, and a book bus. There were also stage acts, including the fantastic Saffron’s Got Talent Show, hot and cold food, fun family activities, information stalls, sports and much more. The Saffron Fete ran from 11am to 4pm.

Local Councillor, Elly Cutkelvin, said: “The Fete shows the best of Saffron and its amazing community spirit. I’d like to thank all the local people who have volunteered their time and energy to make the day happen. I hope everyone had a great time at the Fete.”

Jon attended the Annual Adult Certificate Presentation Evening which has been held for over 25 years at the Highfields Centre.

Speaking ahead of the Presentation Jon said:

“I am pleased to be returning to the Highfields Centre to present certificates to some of the adult learners who have studied there during the past year. It is good to see that the Centre offers a wide range of courses including different level ESOL classes.”

150 of the nearly 500 learners who have studied at the Highfields Centre over the last year will be awarded certificates by Ivor Humphries, Iris Lightfoote and Jon Ashworth, with the highlight being the Student of the Year award.

Jon stated: “Achieving in education is not only good for employment prospects but it gives people the confidence to achieve more and hopefully become full, active members of our society. It is fantastic that the Highfields Centre still caters for adult learners and meets the needs of the local community.”

Jon Ashworth MP spoke at the Indian Independence Day celebrations in Leicester on Thursday 15 August 2013.

The celebrations, which take place every year on 15 August, commemorate the Indian Independence movement and mark the official formation of the Republic of India.

In Leicester, the celebrations traditionally involve a street party on Belgrave Road, a party in Cossington Park, and cultural performances at Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre. Thousands of people attend the annual celebrations in the City.

Jon said: “I was really excited about being part of the Indian Independence Day celebrations in Leicester. Leicester has a strong Indian diaspora community, so this is a day of great significance to many local people.”

“Given the make-up of Leicester City, I think it’s important that we mark Indian Independence Day in this way. Leicester has very strong historical, cultural and business ties with India, so I’m delighted to participate in these celebrations.”

This year marks 66 years since India attained Independence from British imperial rule. The country was ruled by the English East India Company from the eighteenth century and subsequently by the British Raj from 1858, but was granted Independence on 15 August 1947 after its long freedom movement.