Adult Learning Wales (ALW) is delighted to share that it has joined Swansea University’s ‘Discovery Volunteering Service’ Volunteer platform, offering volunteering opportunities to the University’s undergraduate, post-graduate and graduate students.

Following a successful recruitment process, on 20^th April this year, two current post-graduate learners at the University embarked on their first day of their volunteer placements in our global ESOL classrooms in the centre of Swansea.

Lucy Amissah and Kwame Kisseih are both from Ghana, and are currently postgraduate students at the University, studying for an MSc and PHD respectively. Both join us with significant volunteering experience in a number of related fields and bring wealth of knowledge, as well as significant life and cultural experience.

Lucy said:

“For years, I have been committed to supporting my community through meaningful service; from youth library initiatives with local churches to teaching in the Sunday school and contributing to orphanages and schools through CSR projects.

My journey has also included leadership roles such as Second Vice of the Mothers’ Union and Patron of the Guild of the Good Shepherd, where I have supported family life and outreach to prisoners and the elderly.

With 19 years of experience in banking, I have built a career rooted in service, leadership, and lifelong learning.

I am currently pursuing an MSc in International Business, building on my MBA in Human Resource Management, to deepen my global perspective and people-focused impact.

The loss of my father last year profoundly reshaped my outlook on life, reminding me how precious time is and inspiring me to live with a much greater purpose. In honour of his memory, I am committed to continue to giving back, serving others, and making a lasting difference in the lives of people who are not confident or capable of achieving their goals.

My desire to join Adult Learning Wales reflects on my belief that education has the power to transform lives at any stage and anybody given the right resources stand equal chance of achieving their dreams. By supporting adult learners, I hope to help individuals overcome barriers, feel safe, rebuild confidence, and unlock new opportunities.

Through this journey, I aim to use my experience, compassion, and voice to uplift others and contribute to a stronger, and a more connected community.”

Kwame shares:

“My first inspiration to volunteer with ALW is to fulfill a pledge I made (in my Statement of Purpose) to Swansea University during my application; to offer myself for community service to augment the University’s ranking score. Secondly, as part of my hobbies and to learn new skills, this volunteering role will also prepare me for a HEAR award. Lastly, as an aspiring lecturer, this role is in line with my professional & academic progression because it has the potential to sharpen my skills in effective teaching practice, effective communication, differentiated classroom learning, and complement my employable skills upon graduation.

With over a decade and a half of experience in the corporate world as an accountant, my personality is anchored in servant leadership, students’ advocacy, altruism, and accountability.

As an early-career researcher whose interests intersect finance, public health, and accounting, I am a PhD Candidate in Finance and I enjoy team sports, volunteering, and learning new skills.”

The opportunity for ALW to join Swansea University’s ‘Discovery Volunteering Service’ first came to light through the work that Jan Tiley, Adult Learning Wales Council Member, is involved in, as the ALW representative on Swansea University’s Court. ‘Swansea University Court’ plays an important role in ensuring that there is meaningful dialogue between the University and its stakeholders, and provides an opportunity for its members to discuss the University’s Financial Review and the University’s role in the community. The Court’s composition is currently under review, with the aim of streamlining it by greatly reducing the number of emeritus professors and significantly increasing the proportion of stakeholder organisations, of which Adult Learning Wales is one.

Jan Tiley said:

“I have the privilege, as a member of our Governing Body, of representing ALW at Swansea University Court. After the formality of the AGM last year, I asked the Vice-Chancellor if Swansea University would welcome approaches from Adult Learning Wales to discuss matters of community engagement and lifelong learning, particularly with a view to encouraging overseas students to become active in their communities, by assisting ALW with ESOL classes in Swansea as either interpreters, classroom assistants or advocates for progression in education. His response was positive, so I passed his office’s details to Beth John, the Regional Manager for SW&Mid Wales, and she and her team started the ball rolling.

As a Council Member, I am delighted that the relationship between Adult Learning Wales and Swansea University has been able to develop in this manner, for the benefit of both organisations – their learners and ours. As a result, we now have two hardworking, compassionate and sensible volunteers, and the tutors whose classes they will be supporting are really excited about their role within ALW. I am hopeful that this relationship will carry on, offering the same opportunities to students in the future.”

The ALW HR team works closely with the Curriculum team in Swansea to support with the recruitment and onboarding of new volunteers.

Nicola Powell, HR Officer for ALW added:

 “The Discovery digital platform has been great because it has allowed us to advertise opportunities directly to students who are interested in volunteering, and to easily see, manage and keep in touch with prospective volunteers who have expressed an interest in volunteering with Adult Learning Wales. It also lets us see statistics for our advertised opportunities, which is great for a quick overview. It also provides us with the latest news from the Discovery team, to keep up to date with things, at their end. The video tutorials on using the platform are really useful as well. The Discovery team have also been really helpful with any queries we have had about the platform, and have generously given support and advice when needed.”

Feedback from our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) tutors in Swansea has been really positive:

Sandra Warner (ESOL Tutor – Swansea):

“Kwame is an absolute pleasure to have in my speaking and listening class. He brings a different English accent for learners to hear, and his warm personality makes him a great partner for discussion work.”

Nia Williams (ESOL Tutor – Swansea):

 “It has been a pleasure to welcome Kwame to our ALW ESOL classes held at the African Centre. He is an invaluable extra pair of hands and support to me and the learners, bringing energy and flexibility on a weekly basis. Thank you!”

Amel Cherif (ESOL Tutor – Swansea):

 “Kwame has been a real asset to my ESOL classroom. He is consistently supportive, reliable, and engages very positively with the learners. His presence has helped build confidence and encourage greater participation during sessions.”

Barbora Slivonova (ESOL Tutor – Swansea):

“Lucy has been a valuable addition to our full-time Entry 1 group. She provides consistent support to learners and responds to their questions promptly and effectively.

Her presence in the classroom has had a very positive impact; learners really enjoy having her support, as it allows them to receive help more quickly and feel more confident in their work. Lucy builds a good rapport with the learners and contributes to a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Since working with Lucy, I have noticed an increase in learners’ confidence and engagement, and they particularly value the feedback she provides. Her input has helped create a more responsive and encouraging classroom experience.”

We are delighted that Kwame and Lucy have joined us in Swansea and look forward to working alongside them and supporting them throughout their volunteering journey with us.