Iryna's inspiring WEA learner story

ESOL

Progressing every day, step by step

When Iryna arrived in the UK from Ukraine she spoke almost no English. With her daughter’s help she joined a WEA beginners ESOL course.

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“In my experience, it takes more mature learners extra time to progress but nothing stops Iryna from learning quickly and effectively,” Iryna’s tutor Liudmila Selensky said in her nomination. “When working in pairs she provides support and encouragement to shy learners. Teaching Iryna gave me real pleasure and a sense of achievement. Well done, Iryna!”

Iryna was the winner of our Learner Award for Enhanced English at the 2022 WEA Learner Awards. “I was very happy to hear this news,” Iryna said of winning the Learner’s Enhanced English Award. “Because this award is very important in motivating me. It’s inspiring me to continue learning English".

I arrived in the UK almost without knowledge of any English, but studying with WEA I have made huge progress. I began to communicate in society little by little, to solve everyday issues. I started to feel more confident.

Iryna, WEA learner

Iryna continues: "Liudmila was very patient explaining everything, either how to use Zoom or explaining English grammar. It was very important for her to give us knowledge, and she was very sensitive if we got it wrong. She was always open to our questions if we didn't understand anything.

Now I can communicate with people in shops, when buying something. Last time I even managed to talk without a translator in Jobcentre Plus. It also helps me to better understand my granddaughter who has started talking in English.

Video transcript: My name is Iryna. I have won the English award.

When I arrived to Britain from Ukraine I spoke nearly no English but starting with WEA I made a huge progress.

I began to communicate in socially a little by little to solve everyday issues.

I started to feel more confident. When I arrived I was very stressed because of the war and confused as I didn't understand anything at all.

I still have difficult in understanding spoken English step by step I'm starting to communicate more and feel more confident.

I was very happy to hear this news because this reward is very important in motivating for me.

It's inspiring me to continue improving my English.

"When I arrived, I was very stressed because of the war which started in my home country, and confused as I didn't understand anything at all. And though I still have difficulties in understanding spoken English, step by step I'm starting to communicate more, and feel more confident. I believe I will be able to find job soon. It has already had a huge impact on how I'm feeling.

I can see how WEA provides support to those who need it most. It means very much for me to be offered that help."