Susan’s story shows the difference that access to ESOL and literacy support can make. Through language and literacy provision, Susan gained confidence, and the skills to independently navigate daily life in the UK. After a lifetime without being able to read or write, she achieved something she never thought would be possible.
Susan has shared her story in her own words:
“My name is Susan. I was born in Nigeria in 1974. I was the eldest of seven children. I had four sisters and two brothers. I had to leave school at quite an early age because my mother needed me to help her with the housework and to look after my brothers and sisters.
I never learned to read and write, either in Yoruba, my home language, or in English. All my life I have felt sad about this.
In September 2022 I came to the UK to begin a new life. I started to attend ESOL lessons at RMC in Wolverhampton. I really enjoyed these and I gained a lot of confidence. Although I could not read or write, Judy, my teacher, said that my spoken English was very good. I was able to help some of the students who could not speak English so well as me. I liked doing this.
At RMC I also attended weekly exercise classes for ladies. These were great fun and were good for my health and fitness.
My ESOL teacher at RMC put my name down for the ‘Read Easy’ reading scheme for adults. After being on a waiting list, I was accepted for this in 2024 when I was fifty years old. My Read Easy mentor, Jo, sees me twice a week. With Jo’s and Judy’s help I have learned to read and have now been awarded three certificates. I am so grateful to them and to RMC and Read Easy for helping me achieve what I never thought was possible. Now, I can read my letters. I can read things in shops. I can read things in the street. I can read things in church.
I am very pleased and proud of my achievements. I smile every time I think about this.”
When we caught up with Susan recently, she informed us she is still over the moon with her achievements. She told us that her adult daughter, who still lives in Nigeria, is so pleased and proud of her mum for learning to read.
For Susan, learning to read has changed everyday life. From reading letters to understanding information around her, she is now able to do things that were once out of reach. Her story shows how the right support can help people achieve goals. It also highlights the value of organisations working together. By recognising Susan’s goals and connecting her with Read Easy, RMC helped her access specialist support that enabled her to achieve something she had wanted throughout her life.
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