WEA helping to change the lives of young mums
Jenny Taylor came to Lea Hall WEA Study Centre in September 2011. She enrolled to do a course in Child Development and English level 1. Her youngest son was in the crèche during the time she attended the courses. It was a challenge to the Tutors to keep her focused at first, but within a few weeks it was clear that she was taking the courses seriously. During the term she used to ask for ‘homework’ and always came back the following week with her work completed. Over the time I taught her it became clear that her past had been difficult. Jenny left school at 14 and found herself put in care and had her first child at 16. She is a very intelligent young woman doing a great job bringing up her children. This last academic year she has gained the following qualifications through the WEA; Level 2 Maths and English, Level 1 Child Development. She has completed her ‘Introduction to Counselling ’and wants to start a Level 2 accredited counselling course this September. Here is her testimony to the WEA; "Since I have joined this course I have gained more knowledge and found out what I actually want to become in life and how to achieve it. I have made great friends since I started. This course has helped me build my confidence and calmed me down as a person. I have become more patient about life. My Tutor is a very good Teacher; she helps me so much with my course and home life. I don’t know where I would be now if I hadn’t come to the WEA. Things wouldn’t be the same without my Tutor because she has taken the time to understand me. These classes have given me so much already. I enjoy every moment!" *Jenny Taylor is not the real name of the learner. The learner would like to remain anonymous hence a pseudonym has been used for the purpose of this case study. WEA Research Unit A better world – equal, democratic and just; through adult education the WEA challenges and inspires individuals, communities and society.