Meet Sufia: Finding hope, purpose and confidence through adult learning
For Sufia, returning to education has been about far more than gaining qualifications, it’s been a lifeline. After years of feeling isolated and unable to work due to disability, he turned to adult learning to rebuild confidence, stay connected and keep moving forward.
Born with dyspraxia and living with learning difficulties and ongoing health conditions, Sufia is now studying Level 2 IT at New City College. College has become a place where he can stay active, learn new skills and find the sense of purpose he felt slipping away.
“Before I joined the course, I was depressed. I wasn’t doing anything with my life and my anxiety was getting worse. Studying has kept me busy and distracted me from negative thoughts. It’s really helped my mental health.”
“Studying has kept me busy and distracted me from negative thoughts. It’s really helped my mental health.”
A place to belong
For Sufia, one of the most powerful parts of returning to education has been the human connection.
“I’ve met new people, made friends, and I really like my teacher. Keeping my mind occupied and learning new skills has helped me so much.”
Over the last decade, he has taken multiple courses, from electrical installation to functional skills, always returning, always trying, always determined to keep going.
“I’ve probably done 10 or 15 courses. I haven’t passed all of them, but I’ve never given up. I keep coming back because it keeps my mind active and gives me hope.”
“I keep coming back because it keeps my mind active and gives me hope.”
Finding confidence again
The course has already boosted Sufia’s confidence and helped him develop new computer skills and stronger social skills.
“It’s definitely boosted my confidence. Studying keeps me busy, keeps me learning and stops me being stuck at home doing nothing.”
Why adult education matters — especially for disabled adults
Sufia is honest: without access to adult education, he would be isolated.
“If funding was cut, I’d be lost. I’d be at home doing nothing, that’s when depression and anxiety get worse. Everything comes down to hope, and college gives me hope.”
“If funding was cut, I’d be lost. I’d be at home doing nothing, that’s when depression and anxiety get worse.”
He also highlights a wider gap in adult support for people with disabilities.
“When you’re younger, you get help and support. But once you’re an adult, it feels like you’re left on your own. Adults with disabilities still need support, one-to-one help and access to courses. Adult education gives us that chance.”
“Adults with disabilities still need support, one-to-one help and access to courses. Adult education gives us that chance”
A message to decision-makers
If he could speak directly to the government, Sufia’s message would be clear:
“Don’t take support away, give more. More courses, more help, more one-to-one support for adults with disabilities. We still need it, maybe more than when we were younger.”
And his message to anyone nervous about coming back to college?
“Don’t give up. Try new things. Keep busy. Keep going.”
“Don’t give up. Try new things. Keep busy. Keep going.”
Find out more
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