After Katerzyna fled the war in Ukraine with her family, learning English became key to rebuilding her life in London.
After signing up for an English course at our Macbeth Centre in Hammersmith, she gained more than just language skills – she found a new confidence and a new community.
Katerzyna completed level 2 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and even won the ESOL Refugee Writing Competition with her story about arriving in the UK.
At the Macbeth Centre's Celebration of Success event on Monday night (3 November), she explained:
When the war in Ukraine began, my family and I had to make a quick decision to save our children. London greeted us warmly, and only here I started resting from the sirens and felt my body relax."
Several students joined Katerzyna in sharing their inspiring stories on the night in King Street. They spoke to an audience that included H&F Mayor Sharon Holder, as well as their friends, family and tutors.
Along with the inspirational stories, the event included a fashion show from our clothes making students and a cake-cutting to celebrate 150 years of the Macbeth Centre.
Courses for everyone
Also on the night, learners from the British Sign Language class shared their personal reasons for joining the course – from connecting with Deaf or autistic family members to improving accessibility at work. They also demonstrated what they've learned to the crowd.
One BSL student spoke to the crowd and explained, "I wanted to learn BSL so I could communicate better with my son."
Then, a childcare student Hachwa told her story of overcoming fear and finally joining a course:
It took me a year to dial that number because of anxiety."
Hachwa is now working part-time at the Montessori nursery where she did her placement, after completing our level 3 Early Years Educator course.
Another student, Donna, started as a complete beginner and discovered a real passion for stained glass. Her tutor, Tim Cunliffe, praise her work: "From the very beginning, it was clear she had a natural eye for design and colour."
Thanks to her talent and our expert tutor, one of Donna's creations – In the Pocket – was selected by the prestigious arts & crafts institution William Morris Society to be displayed at Kelmscott House in Hammersmith.
Your own story starts now
The Macbeth Centre's classes can lead to new qualifications or skills and improved well-being.
We offer more than 450 courses – and enrolment is now open for the next term, starting in January 2026.
Whether you're looking to advance your career or explore a new hobby, we're here to help. We're committed to helping make Hammersmith & Fulham the best place to work and live.
