Learners' stories
Michael
Douglas
Michael Douglas, aged 31, from Norwich, was homeless and on benefits when he joined Street Life Soccer. Despite a 13-year break from education, he successfully completed a 30-week course combining education and sports skills training. Since then, Michael has supported new homeless students at Street Life Soccer and has volunteered with Football in the Community coaching children. He has two part-time jobs – one with Norwich FC and another as a support worker for the YMCA.
He said “I have gained employment because of the skills I’ve learnt. Learning also helped me achieve my dreams of helping people and coaching. Without learning I wouldn’t be the same person that I am now.”
Watch a film about Michael’s story here
Mary
Jarvis
Mary Jarvis, aged 55, from Peterborough, joined the NHS as a cleaner when she was 36 and has since taken every opportunity to develop herself by learning essential work skills. Recently she has achieved NVQ Level 2 in Care, NVQ Level 3 in General Healthcare and is currently studying for NVQ Level 3 in Perioperative Care. She is now working as a Perioperative Assistant.
She said, “I wanted to learn because I wanted to better myself. Learning has boosted my confidence, given me a focus and made me feel more worthy. Learning has given me a career rather than just a job.”
Gary
Peel
Gary Peel, aged 49, from Retford, worked for 30 years at a supermarket chain but left after a serious breakdown in his mental health. As a way to recovery, Gary was encouraged to return to learning by his health counsellor. After gaining a range of qualifications, he found paid employment as a Teaching Assistant at a local primary school.
He said, “Learning gave me an order to my life when I was ill. The more I learn and achieve, the more I want to go on to the next stage. Learning has helped me to change career.”
Caroline
Haddock,
Caroline Haddock, aged 33, from Ghana was unable to read and write until she started studying at City College Plymouth. Caroline signed up for Entry Level Literacy Level 1, where she was diagnosed with dyslexia, and has now gone on to achieve Entry Level 2 and is working towards Entry Level 3. Caroline works full time as a cleaner and now that she can read and write, she is able to complete her own paperwork.
She said, “I have learnt how to read and write English and did it because I knew it would open up my chances for careers and opportunities. Before I was depending on my husband to do everything for me, it has really changed our lives.”
Read more about Caroline’s story
Find out more about other people’s learning journeys here on the
Adult Learners' Week website