3rd July 2025
35-year-old widow Yuliia Terzi is a refugee from Ukraine and was named ‘Learner of the Year’ by Barking & Dagenham College.
She settled in Dagenham from the city of Odessa, Ukraine three years ago with her mum, her 15-year-old son and 12-year-old daughter to escape the war. Yuliia was widowed 9 years ago, at just 25 years old, when her husband, who was also only 25, passed away.
Yuliia explains, “It was very difficult leaving Ukraine, but I needed to save the children; I wasn't scared for myself, I'm brave. If I didn't have children, I would have stayed and joined the army, but I had to put the children first.”
With a degree in business management, she was a successful salon manager back home.
She adds, “I had to close the salon shortly after the war started; it was difficult, and I really wanted to continue running it. But now I'm in the UK I hope to start my own salon. I really like it here in the UK.”
At home, Yuliia had learned her beauty therapy skills on the job. However, in the UK, it's important to get qualifications to work in the beauty industry, so she decided to sign up for the beauty course at Barking & Dagenham college, where she is also taught English, so that she can secure employment.
Learning to speak English has been difficult for the mum of two. She hadn't spoken it since learning English at school, and explains, “Understanding it is much easier than speaking it. It takes a lot of practice. However, I'm really motivated to get my beauty qualification and open a salon in the UK. Speaking good English is also important for everyday life, like trips to the bank etc. It makes me so happy to do this course and I've learnt such a lot of new information, and it's helped me to improve a lot of skills.”
Yuliia’s tutor Chantelle McAngus, who nominated her for the Learner of the Year award said: “Yuliia fled Ukraine with her mum and two children, lost her partner, left her salon behind, and started again from nothing; despite challenges with Maths and English, she has not missed a day, always supports younger learners, wears full smart uniform, attends all extra activities, and we believe she truly deserves this award for all she has overcome.”
When she found out she had won the award, she, “Had goosebumps, I was so shocked and excited and so very, very happy!”
As for the future? Yuliia’s children enjoy it in the UK and don't want to go back and Yuliia knows that there are better the opportunities for her to earn more in the UK, so they are planning to stay.
