David BaleA mother and her two teenagers who have lived in Norwich for nine years are facing deportation to Tanzania - but a campaign has been launched to try and keep them in this country.David Bale

A mother and her two teenagers who have lived in Norwich for nine years are facing deportation to Tanzania - but a campaign has been launched to try and keep them in this country.

Scholastica Mokake, 45, and her children Gabriel Mokake, 18, and Severin Mokake, 13, from Wall Road, could be deported to Tanzania later this month.

Mrs Mokake has been told she has until June 28 to reapply for a post study visa or they could be sent back to Africa.

However, the family is fighting the deportation and today urged more friends to sign the online petition at www.petitiononline.com/helpgm/petition.html.

The UK Border Agency said Mrs Mokake's application for a post study visa to stay in the city had been refused because she had failed to provide a certificate proving her academic qualifications.

But Mrs Mokake said she could not understand why she is facing deportation as she had reapplied for a visa and could confirm her qualification after she picked up her certificate of graduation in philosophy from the UEA on July 13.

She said: 'I'm going to see my solicitor on Friday. We are going to appeal this and fight back.

'I could go back to Tanzania but my eldest son is just finishing sixth form at Hewett School.

'He recently beat thousands of applicants for places at two of the world's top drama schools, and if we are deported he will lose those places.

'And my other son is at Sprowston High School and is settled there. He was just three years old and my other son just nine when we came to this country so they have grown up in Norwich.'

Gabriel said: 'We are trying to get as much support on the petition to stay in the country as possible. We don't think we have been fairly treated.'

A UK Border Agency spokesman: 'The UK Border Agency makes it clear to applicants for post study visas that they must provide a certificate proving their academic qualifications as well as evidence that they are able to sup-port themselves financially. Ms Mokake failed to do this, which is why her application has been refused.

'Ms Mokake is welcome to reapply with the correct documentation. She would not face removal from the UK while an application is outstanding.

'All visa applications are considered on their merits and in accordance with the immigration rules, which are firm but fair and apply to everyone.'

Are you facing deportation from Norwich? Ring reporter David Bale on 01603 772427 or email david.bale2@archant.co.uk.