A dedicated mother and new resident to the UK from Hong Kong has benefited greatly from Solihull College & University Centre’s supportive adult learning environment and community-focused approach.
Kitty Tam, 43, moved to Solihull in 2022 with her two children, aged 6 and 12, seeking a stable and nurturing environment for her family amid the changing circumstances in Hong Kong. Her transition to life in the UK was driven by a desire to offer her children better opportunities and a supportive community.
Upon settling in Solihull, Kitty was introduced to the College’s ‘Understanding Your Children’s Behaviour’ course through Widney Junior School. This course provided her with crucial insights into effective parenting and facilitated communication between educational institutions. The collaboration between the school and the college was instrumental in helping Kitty navigate the BNO visa application and secure funding for her studies.
Kitty’s dedication to her children’s education led her to enrol in the ‘Keeping Up with the Children – Speaking, Listening, Word Structure and Spelling’ course. This course deepened her understanding of the UK school curriculum and enabled her to better support her children’s academic progress.
Recently, Kitty is pursuing the Functional Skills in English course, which she views as a vital step in preparing for employment in the UK. As she approaches the end of her course and prepares for final exams, Kitty is focused on enhancing her employability and adapting to the UK job market.
Kitty’s positive experience at the College is complemented by the support she received from her lecturer, Kerry Scattergood, an Adult Literacy Specialist and FE Research Lead. Kerry remarks: “Kitty’s journey has been truly remarkable. Her commitment to learning and her proactive approach to integrating into her new community have been inspiring. It’s been a pleasure to support her as she builds new skills and works towards her career goals.”
Kitty has found the College environment to be welcoming and enriching. She appreciates the connections she has made with fellow students and the encouragement provided by the staff. She shares: “Studying at the College has not only been educational but also a wonderful way to connect with others and become part of the community. I encourage anyone new to the area to explore the courses offered here; it’s a fantastic way to get inspired and find support.”
Kitty’s ultimate aim is to contribute to her new community and set an example for her children. She is enthusiastic about gaining practical work experience and hopes to achieve a balanced work-life scenario in the UK, all while continuing to explore diverse opportunities.
