A Valentine’s Love Story from HTAE
Mykola Shevchenko, 43, and Nataliia Sadova, 41, both came to Hull from Ukraine and began learning English through ESOL classes with Hull Training and Adult Education. Alongside building their language skills, the classes also became an important part of their journey to settling into life in the city and building a life together.
Nataliia arrived in Hull in 2023, with Mykola following in 2024 after the outbreak of war in their home country. Like many people starting again in a new place, adapting to their new environment was key, so began English lessons as an important step in feeling confident, independent and able to manage everyday life.
Although they first met at Welcome House, it was through their ESOL learning with Hull Training and Adult Education that their relationship really began to develop. When Nataliia started ESOL classes at The Avenues Adult Education Centre on Park Avenue, she invited Mykola to join the group.
“I agreed straight away,” Mykola says. “It was a chance to improve my English and to spend more time together.”
They studied side by side and completed the ESOL Entry 1 / Entry 2 Conversation Course together. They are now continuing their learning at ESOL Entry 2 level. Being in a supportive classroom environment helped them practise everyday English, build confidence and feel more settled in Hull.
“Learning English has really improved our lives,” they explain. “It helps us in daily situations and when we’re speaking with new people.”
As their confidence grew, so did their relationship. What began with attending classes together gradually blossomed and they decided to take the next step by applying for their first home together. This came to fruition a few months later.
“That’s how our life together began,” Mykola says. “We just felt right together. We complemented each other.”
Before long, Mykola knew what he wanted. On their anniversary, he proposed, and Nataliia said yes.
The couple were married on Christmas Day 2025, marking the start of a new chapter in their lives.
Today, Mykola and Nataliia continue to study English with HTAE and enjoy living in Hull. In their free time, they enjoy travelling and feel much more confident communicating with people along the way.
“Thanks to learning English, we can talk about everyday things and communicate with people when we’re travelling,” they added.
As Mykola and Nataliia put it: “Thank you for your help and for the opportunity to learn English. Hull Training and Adult Education played a special part in bringing us together and helping us start our new lives here in Hull.”