Learners Rubina, Rose and Shipa, and volunteer Jane, all picked up their awards from Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr David Shields, at the City Art Gallery.
Education Support Assistant Kalsoom Ramzan said: “Rubina came from Pakistan with little English and has gone on to pass her E1 Speaking and Listening exam. Her children are so proud of her and say she is so inspirational to them.
“Rose attends class with such a great smile and positive attitude despite personal challenges. She absolutely loved our ESOL for Outdoors’ course.
“And Shipa was such a shy student, but has made friends and is now flourishing in her class and will be moving from her pre-entry ESOL class to Entry 1 in September.
“This is a great event held annually which was cancelled during Covid. It was great to be back to recognise the achievement of our amazing learners and volunteer.”
Jane attended WEA’s Practical Crafts course and says she’s “never looked back”.
Already quite advanced with sewing before she started with the WEA, Jane now volunteers with us and runs a drop-in session for students interested in improving their sewing skills.
Kalsoom added: “This has been very well attended by many of our students from all parts of the world and, although English is not their first language, in Jane’s words, ‘We all speak the language of sewing’.”
Very well done Rubina, Rose, Shipa and Jane and congratulations to the Southampton team!
