Key Points
- A young mother of two who graduated from Egypt with a Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy and Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy has been announced as a winner of the prestigious Shared Futures Award in the Inspire! Adult Learning Awards.
- In the last two years, Yassmein Hussein managed to successfully complete 13 adult learning courses with Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) and Cardiff Council in such diverse subjects as learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, family learning, stress management and science.
- The awards ceremony will take place at The Coal Exchange, Cardiff on September 23 and will celebrate 11 individual award winners.
- Yassmein created a Facebook group for mothers of children with neurodiversity problems, started her own home baking business after volunteering at The Hive in St Mellons and volunteers for the community-run creativity project Common/Wealth Sounding Board.
- The nomination was made by Mags Richmond, a Cardiff and Vale College Family Learning Tutor who described Yassmein as inspirational learner, whereas Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Cefin Campbell MS, stressed her efforts in community-building.
- Michelle Matheron, Learning and Work Institute Director for Wales, called attention to the importance of lifelong learning before Adult Learners’ Week.
Cardiff (Cardiff Daily News) September 14, 2026 — Yassmein Hussein is making a valuable contribution to the Cardiff community where she lives as she strives to improve her skills, confidence and knowledge through adult learning, as reported by Duncan Foulkes of FE News.
How Has Yassmein Hussein Adapted to Life in Wales Through Adult Education?
Over the past two years, the young mother of two has completed 13 adult learning courses with Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) and Cardiff Council. Some relate to learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, family learning, stress management and science. She now hopes to do child psychology and business courses. Before arriving in Wales, she achieved a Bachelor Degree in Pharmacy and a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy in Egypt.
As reported by Duncan Foulkes of FE News, Yassmein stated that:
“Because obtaining the equivalent certificate here in the UK is not easy, I decided to look for another way to support my children during their educational journey, as maintaining a stable and integrated family within the community is my top priority.”
Adult learning courses in Wales have improved Yassmein’s English and helped to achieve her family and community goals. To share knowledge and experiences gained from the courses, she has formed a Facebook group which supports mothers of neurodivergent children, especially in her native Egypt. She also promotes adult education to other mums.
What Recognition Has Yassmein Received for Her Dedication?
In recognition of her learning journey, Yassmein has won the Shared Futures Award in this year’s Inspire! Adult Learning Awards, which will be presented at the Coal Exchange, Cardiff, on September 23. She is one of 11 award winners. Each Inspire! Award winner demonstrates how learning can offer second chances, help create new career opportunities, build confidence and help communities become vibrant and successful.
For adults in Wales keen to start their learning journey, in-person taster courses and online sessions will run throughout September and during Adult Learners’ Week. Advice and information will be available locally to inspire people to take up learning as a way of increasing their employability, building life skills and improving their quality of life.
Responding to winning the award, as reported by Duncan Foulkes of FE News, Yassmein said:
“I am so excited and proud to have won this award. I feel it’s a reward for all my hard work on adult learning courses over the past three years.”
She added, as reported by Duncan Foulkes of FE News:
“The main reason I joined adult learning was that, when I moved to the UK more than three years ago, I wanted to be part of the community. People have been so welcoming since we arrived in Wales and CAVC and Cardiff Council are so supportive. Currently, I am developing a community-focused bakery idea to create a space where women, especially mothers, can learn baking and other handmade skills to help them start small home businesses.”
Inspired by volunteering as a baker at The Hive in St Mellons, she has started her own small home business, baking cookies and cakes. She also volunteers with Common/Wealth Sounding Board, a community-led creative project in Cardiff.
Furthermore, Yassmein noted, as reported by Duncan Foulkes of FE News:
“I am a different person now compared to when I first arrived in the UK – still with the same passion and ambition, but with greater awareness and a stronger love for knowledge and community work.”
Her husband, Ahmed, works as an orthopaedic surgeon in Cardiff.
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What Do Educators and Government Officials Say About Her Achievement?
Award nominator Mags Richmond, a Cardiff and Vale College family learning tutor, describes Yassmein as an “inspirational learner” who is making a valuable contribution to her community, as reported by Duncan Foulkes of FE News.
Mags Richmond stated, as reported by Duncan Foulkes of FE News:
“Yassmein has big dreams for the future and she’s an example of what a person can achieve with the right support and opportunities. Her approach means that she is helping inspire her own children’s learning and providing obvious encouragement to all those around her.”
Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Cefin Campbell MS, commented on the broader impact of her work, as reported by Duncan Foulkes of FE News:
“Yassmein’s story is a wonderful example of the wider benefits of adult learning. Through her commitment to learning, she has developed new skills, built her confidence and become an active contributor to her local community.”
Cefin Campbell MS added, as reported by Duncan Foulkes of FE News:
“What makes her achievement particularly inspiring is the way she is using her knowledge and experience to support others, both here in Wales and beyond. Her journey shows how learning can bring people together, create opportunities and help build stronger, more connected communities.”
Michelle Matheron, Learning and Work Institute Director for Wales, also shared her perspective, as reported by Duncan Foulkes of FE News:
“Lifelong learning offers opportunities for all of us, whether that’s to move into a new career, learn a new skill, support our health and well-being or just do something we enjoy. The impact can be transformative, and we can see that through the stories of our award winners.”
Michelle Matheron further stated, as reported by Duncan Foulkes of FE News:
“Their commitment to learning has made a huge difference to their lives but also to those around them. Adult learning makes a real difference and it’s vital to support and celebrate adults in Wales who are embracing learning, sometimes overcoming significant personal challenges to do so.”
Anyone inspired by Yassmein’s journey can access free advice and guidance through Working Wales to explore learning and training opportunities available in their area.
Background of the Particular Development
The Inspire! Adult Learning Awards form a key part of the Welsh educational calendar, traditionally coinciding with the run-up to Adult Learners’ Week. Organised in partnership with bodies such as the Learning and Work Institute, the Welsh Government, and local providers including Cardiff and Vale College (CAVC) and Cardiff Council, these awards seek to shine a light on individuals who overcome personal, social, or geographical barriers to re-engage with education.
Lifelong learning initiatives in Wales have historically focused on expanding community accessibility, improving digital and language literacy, and fostering economic integration for newcomers, refugees, and parents re-entering the workforce.
This development highlights the tangible socio-economic benefits of accessible adult education policies and community integration programmes in Wales. For adult learners, migrants facing credential recognition hurdles, and local parents, Yassmein’s trajectory demonstrates how further education colleges and local councils can serve as effective springboards into entrepreneurship and community leadership.
For educational institutions and policymakers, such success stories reinforce the ongoing funding and promotional imperatives surrounding Adult Learners’ Week and Working Wales initiatives, potentially driving higher participation rates in community-focused upskilling programmes across Cardiff and surrounding regions.
