I recently attended an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) enrolment event in Selby, and it was a powerful reminder of why the work the WEA does matters.
The event was structured to help learners feel supported from the moment they arrived. My role was to provide support on the day, guiding learners through the process of arriving, and completing their initial assessments (this is so we can understand their current level of English). Having a structure in place kept the experience calm and welcoming.
Many learners arrived feeling nervous. Some had very little English, and a few brought their children along to help with translation. Being there in person meant I could offer reassurance, answer questions, and provide encouragement when confidence was low. Sometimes a friendly face and a few kind words were all it took to help someone take that first step.
What made the day truly special was getting to know the learners beyond the paperwork. I heard their personal reasons for wanting to attend the course, their stories of coming to this country, and their hopes for building a better future.
Listening to their children talk about their own aspirations was especially moving, as was seeing how strongly their parents wanted to improve their English so they could better support their children to succeed.
One of the most rewarding moments was watching learners leave the venue smiling, excited, and far more confident than when they first arrived. That visible shift from nervousness to optimism reminded me of the real impact these courses have.
I came away from the event with a smile on my face and a renewed sense of purpose. It’s a powerful reminder of why I do what I do, and why I am proud to work for the WEA.
