But how do we conquer fears and challenges?
Fanniza is finding answers on a BAES counselling course
From setting up a community organisation to presenting to a packed room of police officers and commissioners, Fanniza has achieved a lot. But, in her early life, she missed periods of school and left without GCSEs. She lacked language skills and independence. She felt lost and without purpose.
Unable to see a clear path after leaving school, Fanniza enrolled on a nursery nurse course at a college. “I did it because it’s what others were doing,” she says. She wasn’t sure what she wanted to do, but Fanniza was sure she wanted to make the most of being in education. After beginning at Entry level, she gained a Level 3 qualification after five years.
“I didn’t have good English skills but I had missed other opportunities, so I didn’t let that barrier stop me.”
When later working as a childminder, she noticed women in her community were curious. “They would ask me questions about how I got into childminding. It wasn’t something they knew how to get into.”
It was then her purpose became clear
Fanniza wanted to help women in her community.
She created an organisation to bridge gaps and empower women, helping them to embrace the English language, which is a significant barrier.
Fanniza, however, wanted to learn more techniques to reach them.
Counselling Course at BAES
Fanniza joined a Level 2 Counselling course to gain more understanding of people.
“It’s helped me realise I didn’t fully understand myself. And if you don’t understand yourself, how can you help others? It’s not that I wouldn’t listen, I would, but I was putting upon them what I’d been through. You need to realise when you are doing that. I’ve learned the importance of truly listening.”
There is more to learn, and she intends to progress on to the Level 3 course, but she has already learned a lot about emotional barriers to help with her future plans, such as a project for volunteers with limited English, which will enable women to build confidence and find paths into work.
Fanniza continues to be overcome her own fears and be open to opportunities: her talk to the police happened because she met officers at a community coffee morning. Volunteering as a learner rep for her class led to becoming a member of the BAES Advisory Board, which involves speaking to senior leaders.
“It’s important to be open to opportunities and you sometimes have to feel uncomfortable to achieve things. I never thought I’d be in rooms with powerful people. It’s scary. My grammar isn’t as good as theirs. But I thought to myself: if not now, when?”
Fanniza has overcome barriers. She has embraced opportunities. Now, with her counselling skills, she is more determined than ever to help others do the same.
Counselling and Mentoring | Birmingham Adult Education Service
