Hawa Kandeh, born to Gambian parents in Spain, has always drawn strength and inspiration from her diverse background. She completed her Bachillerato in Humanities—the Spanish equivalent of A-levels—and later explored law studies in Barcelona.
During that time, she also spent a few months in London working as an au pair to improve her English. That experience sparked a turning point, prompting her to consider returning to the UK to pursue a new path more aligned with her true interests and goals.
In 2013, Hawa took a leap of faith—leaving behind the familiar to embrace the unknown.
What began as a step to learn English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at Bradford College has since become an inspiring story of courage, determination, and the life-changing power of education.
The foundation she built at Bradford College helped her move forward to become a children’s book author, STEM ambassador, and the founder of a Yorkshire-based EdTech business.
When Hawa arrived in the UK in 2013, she faced the challenge many non-native speakers experience – the language barrier.
After initially staying with relatives in Manchester, a family member suggested Bradford College for its welcoming multicultural environment.
At Bradford College, Hawa enrolled in part-time ESOL classes, attending twice a week while working on the side. She completed Entry 2 Speaking & Listening, Entry 2 Reading & Writing, and Entry 3 Speaking & Listening courses.
Hawa remembers never feeling discouraged during those early English lessons.
What made the difference for Hawa wasn’t just the language skills she gained, but the confidence that came with them. She remembers one ESOL lecturer telling her that her growing English skills wouldn’t limit her future – that with continued effort, she could progress to higher education and better opportunities. This encouragement proved life changing.
After her ESOL courses, Hawa focused on work and family life, but the encouragement she received from her tutors stayed with her. It inspired her to aim higher—leading to her current studies in Business Management at the University of Bradford, where she will graduate in 2026.
Hawa’s belief in education as a tool for empowerment has shaped her path since leaving the College. This belief led her to become a published children’s book author, inspired by her two sons, Hakeem and Idris.
Together, they created “Speedy TK in The Gambia,” a bilingual children’s book that celebrates identity, emotional intelligence, and STEM learning.
What started as a family project grew when her sons showcased their book at Wembley Stadium during a national youth business fair through Ultra Education’s Kids Entrepreneurship Programme.
“We created a bilingual book where kids can see themselves as superheroes while learning STEM and self-worth,” Hawa explains.
“It’s more than a story — it’s a movement for inclusion, diversity, and confidence in young minds.”
This success has led to an invitation to present in Barcelona in late 2025, where Hawa and her sons will deliver their own STEM workshop—showing how young voices, when supported, can inspire across borders.
Perhaps the most impressive chapter in Hawa’s story is her emergence as an EdTech entrepreneur. Her flagship product, TechTouch, is a bilingual, AI-powered platform that combines digital learning with hands-on STEM kits and workshops for children aged 5-11.
“TechTouch is where tech meets purpose — it’s hands-on, bilingual, and built to level the playing field in STEM,” Hawa explains. “We’re merging AI with offline workshops to make learning personal, practical, and unforgettable.”
Developed as part of the University of Bradford’s 2024 Accelerated Student Entrepreneurship Programme (ASEP), Hawa’s Startup, Globally Linked, has already gained significant recognition:
The Globally Linked team has completed their first prototype and is planning pilot projects with Leeds Libraries and Bradford Children’s Festival in 2026.
Alongside her entrepreneurial work, Hawa serves as a STEM Ambassador, working to break barriers for young people from underrepresented communities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“As a STEM Ambassador, I’m committed to breaking barriers in schools and beyond — especially for young people from underrepresented communities,” Hawa says. “My mission is to inspire more girls and women to see themselves in tech, leadership, and innovation.”
Hawa’s vision centers on creating safe spaces, meaningful tools, and real representation in education – values that reflect her experience at Bradford College.
“My dream is to create global tools with a local heart — tech that uplifts, educates, and connects,” she explains.
“From books to platforms to programmes — I want to give the next generation the tools I didn’t have.”
Her plans include expanding TechTouch internationally, with a STEM workshop already confirmed in Barcelona and ongoing discussions with schools in both the UK and Spain.
Hawa’s story shows that being a parent, an adult learner, or someone new to the UK doesn’t have to limit your potential. Bradford College helped her find the confidence, support, and sense of purpose that continue to shape her journey today.
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Bradford College has won ‘The Bell Foundation Award for Excellence in ESOL’ category at the 2025 Association of Colleges’ Beacon Awards. The national Beacon awards celebrate the best and most innovative practice in further education colleges and demonstrate the far-reaching impact of colleges on their students and the communities they serve. The award is in […]
