Learning something new can help to boost confidence and offer opportunities. That’s what happened for Amália Laiseca, who completed a languages course with Ealing Council’s adult learning team.

Amália took a functional skills English level 1 course with Learn Ealing and found the experience ‘incredibly rewarding’.

Amália’s story

Amália told us: “What I enjoyed most about this course was its welcoming environment, which embraced all learners regardless of their origin, culture, or limitations.”

Amália faced challenges with her work last year, with a zero-hours contract and a long commute. She was determined to improve her English, often learning during her journeys to work, so she could get a better job. Since taking the Learn Ealing English classes she gained qualifications and now works as an insurance broker.

“The classes are meticulously prepared to unlock students’ full potential, all guided by competent, friendly, and welcoming teachers,” she added. “It’s an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to flourish.”

Amália’s new English skills helped her during a difficult time earlier this year, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, as she was able to better communicate with the medical team.

She said: “It’s frustrating to need help with simple daily tasks. Although a challenge at first, breaking the language barrier has been wonderful. Speaking, reading, and writing in English gives me control over my life and ensures I live with dignity.”

Looking to the future

Amália is continuing to improve her English skills. She said: “I was inspired by the Japanese philosopher Tsunesaburo Makiguchi who said, ‘true happiness comes only through sharing in the trials and successes of other persons and of our community.’

“I want to be useful, so I’m volunteering to teach Portuguese and Spanish beginners online. I am also starting a functional skills English level 2 course with Learn Ealing this month. I want to develop my writing skills to help people write their stories and leave their legacy.”

Start learning

Learn Ealing’s new course prospectus is now available. It contains the full programme courses and workshops that experienced professional tutors will deliver over the new academic year. The selection of courses include:

• English, ESOL, maths and digital
• family learning
• health and wellbeing
• creative arts
• languages

Qualifications that lead to good jobs

Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: “One of our key priorities is to help our residents access good, well-paid jobs. To do that, we have pledged to provide 12,000 new qualifications and training programmes by March 2026. As of July 2025, we have already delivered 9,199 qualifications and training.

“Explore the Learn Ealing prospectus for a wide range of workshops and courses to help you back into employment, to upskill, or even just to learn something new. Many of the courses are free. Have a look and start learning with us today.”