Yassmein Hussein is making a valuable contribution to the community where she lives as she strives to improve her skills and knowledge through adult learning.

Over the past two years, the young mother has completed 13 adult learning courses with Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) and Cardiff Council. Some relate to learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, family learning, stress management and science.

She now hopes to do child psychology and business courses. Before arriving in Wales, she achieved a Degree in Pharmacy and a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy in Egypt.

“Obtaining the equivalent certificate in the UK is difficult, so I decided to look for another way to support my children during their educational journey, as maintaining a stable and integrated family within the community is my top priority,” explained Yassmein.

Adult learning has improved Yassmein’s English and helped to achieve her family and community goals. To share knowledge gained from the courses, she formed a Facebook group which supports mothers of neurodivergent children, especially in her native Egypt. She also promotes adult education to other mums.

“The main reason I joined adult learning was that, when I moved to the UK more than three years ago, I wanted to be part of the community,” explained Yassmein, whose husband, Ahmed, is an orthopaedic surgeon in Cardiff.

“People have been so welcoming since we arrived. Currently, I am developing an idea for a community-focused bakery where women, especially mothers, can learn baking and other skills to help them start businesses.”

Inspired by volunteering as a baker she has started a business baking cookies and cakes. She also volunteers with Common/Wealth Sounding Board, a community-led creative project in Cardiff.

“I am a different person compared to when I first arrived in the UK – still with the same passion and ambition, but with greater awareness and a stronger love for knowledge and community work,” added Yassmein.

Mags Richmond, a family learning tutor at CAVC, said, “Yassmein has big dreams for the future and she is an example of what a person can achieve with the right support and opportunities. Her approach means that she is inspiring her own children’s learning and providing obvious encouragement to all those around her.”