Meet Olafunke: Finding confidence, purpose and community through adult learning
When Olafunke decided to return to education at New City College, it had been years since she’d last studied. Between raising her children and working, her focus had always been on others. But this time, she wanted to do something for herself.
Now studying SIA Door Supervision, she’s part of a growing wave of women entering the security industry. The number of female SIA licence holders has risen by 5,000 in the past year alone — reaching 100,000 in August 2024 — and Olafunke is proud to be one of them.
“It had been such a long time since I’d studied. I was nervous, but when I did well in the assessment, I thought — if I can do it, anyone can!”
“When I first went to do my English and Maths, I asked myself, can I really do this? It had been such a long time since I’d studied. I was nervous, but when I did well in the assessment, I thought — if I can do it, anyone can!”
Rediscovering self-belief
Returning to college wasn’t just about gaining a qualification — it was about regaining confidence and connection.
“The support at the college is amazing,” she says. “The tutors really help you and never make you feel less of yourself. When you’re struggling, they take time to explain things in a way that makes sense. That makes such a difference.”
For Olafunke, being part of a learning community has been life-changing.
“Coming back to college has given me a new community. It’s made me feel part of something again.”
“Coming back to college has given me a new community. You meet all sorts of people — you learn from them, and they learn from you. It’s made me feel part of something again.”
Why adult education matters
Her journey is proof that with the right support, adults can transform their lives and communities. But cuts to adult education funding now risk closing those doors for others.
“We really need these courses. It gives people hope and helps them believe they can do something for themselves.”
“We really need these courses,” she says. “Some people never had the privilege to study when they were younger — so now this is their chance. It gives people hope and helps them believe they can do something for themselves. Without opportunities like this, some adults lose hope, and that can lead to real problems.”
“Courses like these don’t just teach skills — they change lives. They build confidence, reduce isolation, and even make our communities safer and stronger.”
Find out more
Discover flexible, part-time and funded courses for adults at New City College and join the campaign to protect lifelong learning.
