Son inspires mum to study for herself

After living in the UK for 22 years and raising 4 children, Olibia Chaffatt was inspired by her son Pedro graduating with a First Class degree, and decided it was her turn to study, choosing BSc Health and Social Care at UWTSD’s Birmingham Campus.

Hailing from Jamaica originally, when her eldest moved back there and the other children became less dependent, it felt like the right time for Olibia.

“I chose this course because caring has always been in my nature,” she says. “I’ve worked in care all my life and have transferable skills learned from years of looking after my own family, but now I want to take things further and become a social worker.”

The level of detail taught on the course has been a highlight for Olibia: “I’ve learned how to search for credible information and what websites to use. I’ve discovered the policies and acts that are put in place by the government to protect everyone’s rights, and why it is critical to use ethics,” she proudly tells us.

But it wasn’t all plain sailing. “Because I’m Jamaican, I’ve faced challenges in academia. In particular, I used to write in the same way that I spoke. It was difficult for me to adjust, but with practice it became easier.”

Graduating with a friend whom she recommended the course to, Olibia says, “I think everyone should have a degree. It opens doors to better positions, more pay and gives you the opportunity to live an enhanced lifestyle.”

Further Information

Ella Staden

Press and Media Officer    
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: ella.staden@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07384467078