Annie*, a single mother of four from Devonport, is on a mission to improve her maths skills and create better opportunities for her family. In November 2023, she enrolled in City College Plymouth’s Multiply sessions, a government-funded programme designed to help adults who do not have a GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent in maths. Multiply provides free and flexible courses aimed at improving numeracy skills, boosting confidence, and enhancing everyday life, work prospects, and educational opportunities.
The Multiply programme is delivered in local community hubs, making learning accessible for people in low socioeconomic areas and aiming to remove barriers to education. For Annie, Multiply was the perfect choice. She found the friendly and supportive atmosphere at the café both motivating and enjoyable. Although she completed the initial Multiply course, Annie chose to continue her studies by attending Functional Skills classes every Monday afternoon. “It’s really rewarding to learn something new and know it will help my kids. I enjoy the lessons and look forward to them each week,” she said.
Annie’s commitment to her education stems from her desire to support her children with their homework and gain qualifications that were previously out of reach. She is now preparing to sit the Entry 3 maths exam before Christmas – a significant milestone in her personal and educational journey.
Annie’s story highlights the transformative power of Multiply. By taking education directly into communities, the programme empowers individuals like Annie to develop essential skills that positively impact their lives and their families. Her progress is a testament to how targeted, accessible education initiatives can make a lasting difference for learners and their wider communities.
*Name has been changed
