ESOL – Badriya Mohammed

Badriya Mohammed is an ESOL student who came to the UK from Sudan in 2005. When she arrived in the UK she couldn’t speak any English, and she started the ESOL course at Rotherham College to help her improve her English reading, writing and listening skills. As a mother of three children and feeling low in confidence, being able to study flexibly in a supported environment was important to Badriya.

Here, she explains how studying ESOL has changed her life, Badriya says;

“I heard about Rotherham College from my friends, they recommended it to me. When I first came to the College I felt so low, I felt like nothing – I had lost my confidence – but now I feel like myself again, I feel happy.  I have improved a lot because I have amazing teachers.

When I’m at home I tell my children, I am very excited to do another presentation at College because my confidence has increased and I feel much better.”

As well as improving her English skills, studying the ESOL course has also inspired Badriya to think about her future dreams and career opportunities. She says;

“I currently volunteer in a charity shop helping customers and after I finish this course I would like to study Health and Social Care because I would like to help others and become a Carer.”

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Rotherham College recognises that adult education is a powerful tool for personal growth, economic resilience, and social cohesion. Across the region and UK, adults are gaining the skills to progress in their careers, build confidence, and connect with others. The impact reaches far beyond the classroom as employers’ benefit from a more adaptable workforce, communities grow stronger, and society becomes more inclusive.

With the right support, course and training, adults through adult learning can address multiple challenges at once-from closing skills gaps and tackling social isolation to reducing inequality and strengthening communities.

Rotherham College – working to transform lives, empower communities, and drive sustainable growth.