Inspiring stories

Originally a maths teacher in Turkey, Hava was eager to continue sharing her knowledge. When she attended her first WEA class she had low levels of English language skills but did not let that be a barrier. This year she has been accepted to study PGCE Maths at the University of Oxford. 

Tulay was unable to access the ESOL classes she needed when she arrived in the UK from Turkey – until she discovered the WEA’s New Links project in Coventry.

Donna, who suffered from negative attitudes and discrimination due to her physical disability, found a new voice to express herself through writing. A WEA writing course gave her a new strength to overcome her challenges and also had a positive impact on her daughter.

Seinab moved to the UK and struggled with her English skills. Joining a WEA class not only gave her the language skills she needed but also made her more confident to support her children.

Sarah always wanted to work in a school environment. Her mother saw a WEA leaflet for our Helping in Schools programme, and now a few years later she's off to university.

Richard’s life was turned upside down by a violent crime. His mental health suffered. He found support from the Stonham Home Group, a support service and long-standing partner of the WEA in Rotherham, and now he is looking forward again. 

Without the right language or IT skills, it can be almost impossible to find a job that reflects your abilities. Rehana has mobilised WEA support to remove barriers for Asian women in Rochdale.

Ian is a WEA volunteer with the Lloyds Banking Group. He lives in Edinburgh and volunteers in Kilmarnock. By helping others find the right route, he now appreciates his own journey through life.

Margaret’s teacher taunted her as a child because she couldn’t read. Her confidence evaporated.  40 years later, encouraged by her WEA tutor, she is now a published poet.  

Ross has worked for the WEA in Scotland for 16 years, mainly on literacy and employability projects. In his experience, if a learner can re-enter the classroom, they are already well on their way.

WEA tutor Fatima recounts her growing friendship with an Iranian refugee called Amin, who is learning English in her class. When you leave your community behind, education can find you a new one.

Debbie dropped out of school, believing she was useless. Following her WEA courses in Falkirk, she is now a published author and a committed learner. Education has helped her to walk tall again.

Sadiq arrived in the UK as part of a relocation scheme of Afghan nationals to the UK after working as a security guard for the UK military base.

Yvette Crossman was widowed four years ago, and when her son went travelling, she found herself struggling with isolation. Now, an Arts & Crafts course gets her out the front door and into a group of kindred spirits. The old Yvette is coming back!

Meet Fauzia, a sessional tutor who helps members of her local community to improve their English skills. Her greatest assets? Patience and empathy. After all, she took the same journey.

Rebecca, one of our tutors in Rochdale, explains the importance of creating the right environment to learn. Lesson number one: this is nothing like school.

Victoria had a challenging time with her little boy's health which led to stressful situations. Studying at the WEA helped her to embrace new activities and in turn feel re-energised and positive.

Carol's family life consumed most of her time and she forgot all her needs. Attending a WEA taster session encouraged her to join a class that expanded her knowledge on different topics and allowed her to develop really strong friendships with other parents and carers.