Inspiring stories

Sara Rose enrolled on an Art for Health & Wellbeing class two years ago while struggling with bipolar disorder and social anxiety. She then attended further courses – Creative Drawing, Weaving and Textiles – and all the while, the WEA helped to build up her confidence in a gentle way. 

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. 

Kimberley Robinson attended a WEA “Introduction to Support Work in Schools” course that was delivered in partnership with the Essex Jobcentres under their Skills Work Academy Programme (SWAP).  

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.

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.

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.  

Vicky has completed the Include IT* Course at Change Grow Live in Widnes. During lockdown, she received support from the WEA, including the use of a tablet. She has now progressed to studying maths and English, and is completing an accountancy course at college. 

After taking a break from education, Lucy found a route back into teaching following a chance conversation with her tutor. Although COVID-19 disrupted her plans, new avenues opened in arts and crafts that brought support to local learners during lockdown.  

The WEA has worked in partnership with the Scottish Refugee Council for many years, supporting their mission to integrate refugees into Scottish life. Parisa is an Iranian refugee in Glasgow who attends WEA’s ‘Survival English’ courses, which are designed to give refugees the language skills to communicate in their adopted homeland.

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.

Jason joined the Money Sorted in D2N2 project, which offers guidance to people in the East Midlands who are struggling with their finances. He explains how the WEA has helped him to gain confidence in money management, and then train to become a Money Mentor.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.