Learners from HTAE came together for a special celebration evening to reflect on their unforgettable Turing Scheme experience in South Africa.
The event brought together learners, staff, family members, and friends to celebrate the achievements of those who took part in the international placement programme. During the evening, learners received certificates recognising their participation, shared memories of their experiences, and reflected on the lasting impact the trip has had on their confidence, skills, and future ambitions.
The South Africa visit, funded through the UK Government's Turing Scheme, allowed learners to gain valuable work placement experience in educational settings while immersing themselves in a different culture and environment.
Throughout their stay, our Early Years and Teaching Assistant learners worked alongside nursery staff, supporting children's learning and development while gaining valuable skills and experience that will benefit them both personally and professionally.
The programme, coordinated by Laura Green, Vocational Tutor/Assessor, provided learners with a unique opportunity to develop new skills, gain international experience, and build confidence for their future careers.
The evening featured emotional reflections from learners who described the experience as life-changing.
Learner Rukshana Shaheen spoke about her placement in a nursery setting, where she worked with young children and developed new skills while building meaningful relationships with staff and pupils.
Reflecting on her experience, she said -
"My trip to South Africa was a wonderful and memorable experience. Working with children in a different country taught me a lot about culture and adapting to new situations. This experience helped me become more confident and independent, and I will always remember the friendships I made and the valuable lessons I learnt."
During the trip, learners experienced some of South Africa's most famous attractions, including Table Mountain, Robben Island, Cape Town Waterfront, Cango Caves, and safari excursions.
For many, stepping outside their comfort zone became one of the most rewarding aspects of the programme. Rukshana described kayaking for the first time as one of her greatest achievements.
"Although I felt nervous at first, I was proud of myself for trying something new and stepping out of my comfort zone. Kayaking ended up becoming one of my best memories from the trip."
Learners also spoke fondly about their placement experiences. Rukshana recalled one particularly touching moment when a child at the nursery asked her not to leave.
"One little girl said, 'don't leave me, stay with me.' It showed that I had made a positive connection with her and reminded me that even small moments can have a big impact."
Rukshana Shaheen receives her certificate at the South Africa Turing Scheme celebration evening.
Fellow learner Fiona Cook reflected on the friendships formed throughout the visit and the unique experiences shared by the group.
She said -
"Thank you, guys. Honestly, we couldn't have come with a better group. It has been absolutely amazing, and I am over the moon to have experienced anything like this, so thank you so much."
Fiona added -
"I loved every single thing about our trip to South Africa, from the nursery, the children and the staff, and the way we all supported each other. We got to go up the mountain, explore caves, stand right next to elephants, go kayaking and so much more. Honestly, it was the experience of a lifetime. The memories we've made will stay with us forever."
Fiona Cook with her South Africa Turing Scheme reflection book.
Fiona Cook with her South Africa Turing Scheme reflection book.
The event was a great reminder of the transformative impact that adult education and international learning opportunities can have. For many learners, the experience has strengthened confidence, developed employability skills, and inspired them to pursue new career ambitions.
For learner Paula Garrido, the impact was immediate.
Before travelling to South Africa, Paula was working as a cleaner but aspired to work with children in a nursery setting. Determined to pursue her ambition, she enrolled with Hull Training and Adult Education. Although committed to her learning, she often lacked confidence in her English-speaking and communication skills.
Reflecting on the experience, she said:
"Before I went to South Africa, I was a cleaner dreaming of working in a nursery. I had already enrolled on the Early Years course with Laura, but I lacked confidence in my English-speaking abilities. Everyone was so encouraging and, while on the trip, I realised I was the only person holding myself back. By the time I returned home, I had so much more confidence in myself and my abilities. I worked hard practicing for interview, applied for a nursery position and, when I went for the interview, I got the job. All the hard work paid off."
Paula Garrido, who secured full-time employment in a nursery after returning from South Africa.
Throughout the evening, learners looked back on photographs and highlights from the trip, including nursery placements, safari adventures, visits to historic landmarks and cultural experiences that broadened their understanding of the world.
Hull Training and Adult Education would like to extend a special thank you to Laura Green, Vocational Tutor/Assessor, whose vision, hard work, and determination helped make the opportunity possible. Laura secured the original Turing Scheme funding for both the Athens and South Africa projects and coordinated every stage of the South Africa programme, from organising placements and supporting learners overseas to arranging the celebration event.
Through her dedication to creating international opportunities, Laura has helped learners develop confidence, gain valuable employability skills, and, in some cases, take meaningful steps towards new careers and employment.