Mokbul spoke about his numeracy journey at The Lord Mayor's Appeal Impact Reception.
Mokbul's story:
At school I felt maths was pointless. I didn’t understand the importance of it. I was quite creative and I suppose I thought, "Well I don’t need maths for that."
It’s only recently, with the support of Numeracy Champions, that my perspective has changed.
I’ve always had a passion to work for the Ambulance Service. I left school without my maths qualification. I worked in The Royal London Hospital Children’s ward for many years and as a Youth Offending Officer in Newham Council, and each job needed maths and it stuck with me that I wasn’t a ‘maths person.’
For the last 22 years I ran a graphic design company with family members. However, with the impact of Covid, I had to close that down.
My wife and family encouraged me to reignite my passion and due to the impact of Covid, I wanted to give back something.
I applied to join the Ambulance Service apprenticeship scheme. However, it required maths and I didn’t have the qualification. I realised I needed maths, after 30 years. That’s when it hit me that maths is important.
I was gutted. Then I heard about the WorkPath from Tower Hamlets Council. They gave me advice and referred me to the Idea Store and that’s where my mission started.
Appreciating the value of maths
Now I see the value of maths. Jag, my tutor [a trained Numeracy Champion], has given me the confidence not to be afraid to ask questions, especially when I’m unsure.
He responds and listens and makes me feel valued and respected. As an adult learner, I think that’s important.
Maths is everywhere. Maths satisfaction is a great achievement and I never thought I would feel it. Maths is a reality out there, you can’t hide from it. You just have to unlock it and I have been able to do that.
To other adults I would say, take time for you, even if it’s just 10 minutes on the National Numeracy Challenge. Take advantage of any resources and don’t be shy or afraid to access support. Take control of it. If I can do it, I’m sure you guys can too.
