At LEAH we often talk about language as a bridge to confidence, independence, and belonging. This is the story of four remarkable women who remind us why this work matters.
We had hoped to capture their journey in photographs to show their learning, their friendship, and their determination. However, like many of our learners, they prefer their privacy for cultural reasons. Even this tells us something important: the courage it takes to step outside the home, join a class, and begin again in a new country.
Starting from zero
The four women were referred to LEAH in 2024 through the local resettlement team after arriving in the UK from Afghanistan.
All four:
- Had never attended school
- Had several children
- Were largely confined to their homes
- Felt isolated and unfamiliar with their local area
- Were starting from zero in English
For them, the barriers were not just linguistic. They were social, cultural, and emotional.
Learning begins at home
Through LEAH’s one-to-one home tutoring programme, a volunteer tutor visits learners at home for one hour each week. This removes practical barriers such as travel and childcare and allows learning to begin in a safe, familiar environment.
Mary, one of our experienced volunteer tutors, agreed to support the group. Although she had worked in special educational needs for many years, she reflected honestly on how different this experience felt:
“Culturally, I felt like a stranger to their world.”
She recognised that behind the language barrier there was something deeper:
“Trauma, leaving family – this was the real reality of my students.”
More than teaching English
One of the biggest challenges was not just teaching vocabulary or pronunciation. It was introducing the very concept of formal learning.
Mary explained:
“Conveying the idea of repeating what they had learnt and doing homework was challenging. They all work hand in hand with learning English.”
The women had never experienced structured education. Even the idea of practising between lessons had to be explained and modelled.
Encouragingly, there was strong family support:
“All of the husbands were very responsive and committed to their wives learning, and they looked after the children.”
Friendship and small moments
Over time, something powerful began to grow. Friendship.
Mary noticed:
“They would stay behind and chat. They developed a friendship, which was essential, as they were all in similar positions and isolated in their homes.”
Small moments revealed deep trust and connection. Mary recalled Lailuma feeding her grapes during the lesson.
“For an illiterate learner who cannot communicate, this was a very endearing way of showing what she thought of her teacher.”
It was a simple gesture, but one that spoke volumes.
Progress and independence
After one year of support:
- Three women progressed into our Heston community ESOL class
- One moved on to online sessions
- They now travel to class together
- They sit together
- They support each other.
Most importantly, they speak for themselves.
Learner voices
Razia shared:
“I learnt about ABC and I enjoyed everything she taught me. I know my alphabet now. I can read it and write it. I now feel confident in the place that I live.”
Lailuma, who had never attended school in Afghanistan, said:
“I never went to school, but Mary took lots of time with me. I love going to the English class in Heston. All the teachers are very friendly and I feel safe. My dream is to learn English. I have come to this country so I must now learn the language.”
Monisa also reflected on her journey:
“Before I started lessons with Teacher Mary, I felt nervous and shy to speak English. I enjoyed learning new words and speaking practice in the lessons. I feel my English speaking is better now. I can speak more and understand people more. LEAH charity helped me learn English and feel more confident in my daily life. My dream for the future is to speak English well and get a good job.”
A world opened up
Mary reflects on their journey simply:
“I am delighted to see their world has opened up.”
These four women arrived isolated, with limited education, heavy responsibilities at home, and significant cultural barriers.
Today, they:
- Travel independently
- Form friendships
- Communicate in English
- Feel confident in their community
- Have dreams for their future
This story is not just about learning English. It is about independence, it is about belonging, and it is about opening doors that once felt completely closed.