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When Iryna arrived in the UK from Ukraine she spoke almost no English. With her daughter鈥檚 help she joined a WEA beginners ESOL course.
鈥淚n my experience, it takes more mature learners extra time to progress but nothing stops Iryna from learning quickly and effectively,鈥 Iryna鈥檚 tutor Liudmila Selensky said in her nomination. 鈥淲hen 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!鈥
Iryna was the winner of our Learner Award for Enhanced English at the 2022 WEA Learner Awards. 鈥淚 was very happy to hear this news,鈥 Iryna said of winning the Learner鈥檚 Enhanced English Award. 鈥淏ecause this award is very important in motivating me. It鈥檚 inspiring me to continue learning English".
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.
"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."
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