Helen Thomas from The Open University in Wales shares the story of Zaria, a fantastic example of where volunteering can take you.
Working at The Open University, you meet people from every walk of life, every single day. Many arrive with ambition, others with uncertainty, and quite often, you’ll find it’s both. And occasionally, you meet someone whose journey quietly stays with you. This is one of those stories.
I first became aware of Zaria Ahmed through the OU in Wales’ partnership with Connecting Youth, Children & Adults (CYCA), a community organisation based in Llanelli. We’d been working with them on our Get Ahead with Volunteering programme, which helps voluntary sector volunteers improve their skills and experience.
When Zaria first reached out to CYCA, it was through their child’s involvement in a series of family events at the centre they called ‘Summer of Fun’. That opened a door. From those early moments, she began taking part herself, gradually building confidence in an environment that felt safe and supportive.
WHERE FRUSTRATION TURNS INTO BELIEF
English is not Zaria’s first language, and she’s open about how challenging that felt at the start. Writing answers, expressing ideas clearly, and finding the right words took real effort. What impressed me was not that this challenge existed, but how she approached it. Instead of withdrawing, she practised. She asked for help. She attended one‑to‑one sessions. Slowly, and with determination, her frustration turned into belief.
Over time, Zaria threw herself into learning. She took part in courses delivered by CYCA: Cooking on a budget, stress resilience, child development, customer service, counselling skills, and healthy body and healthy mind sessions – the list kept on growing. These weren’t courses taken just for a certificate. They were skills Zaria learned to improve her everyday life, support her family, and eventually, help others.
This is what really inspires me.
ONLY THE START
Zaria is now a Community Volunteer Ambassador. She helps run cooking workshops, supports staff, and welcomes other parents – particularly during busy summer holidays. There is a quiet pride in how she describes this role. She takes satisfaction in seeing others benefitting from CYCA, meeting new people, and giving back to a community that once supported her.
‘Ever since I started volunteering at CYCA I have noticed a massive difference in my confidence in the way I engage in my community. I’ve also made friends.’ – Zaria.
And alongside all of this, Zaria has made a bold decision: to study law with The Open University.
She hopes to train with a local legal firm, graduate, and become a solicitor. These are big ambitions, especially for someone who once doubted their ability to write well in English. Yet there was no arrogance here, only clarity. A belief that effort, support and education can change what’s possible.
Moments like this remind me why widening participation matters. Education is not just about modules and assessments. It’s about confidence, identity, and the courage to imagine a different future. It’s about community organisations like CYCA meeting people where they are, and universities walking alongside them when they take the next step.
ABOUT HELEN
Helen Thomas is one of The Open University in Wales’ Partnerships Managers, and the lead for working with the voluntary sector. She joined the university just over seven years ago. Helen wants to make a difference, helping others achieve their potential – both through her role at the OU, and outside of work as a volunteer.
Helen has developed Get Ahead with Volunteering, a free eight-week training programme for volunteers, developed alongside Third Sector Support Wales.
Helen and the OU in Wales team will be at WCVA’s flagship event, gofod3 on 17 June 2026 at Cardiff City Stadium. You can hear more about Get Ahead with Volunteering at their session In conversation with The Open University in Wales or find out more about their work with the voluntary sector by visiting their stand in our busy Marketplace.
THANKS FOR HELPING US KEEP GOFOD3 FREE TO ATTEND
A big DIOLCH to The Open University in Wales who are once again kindly sponsoring gofod3, partnering with WCVA to help voluntary organisations to upskill. You can find out more about how the OU can support you at university.open.ac.uk/wales.