Adult Learner's Week 2007
On Tuesday 22nd May, during Adult Learners’ Week, The Learning Partnership hosted the Bedfordshire and Luton Adult Learners’ Week Awards Ceremony at Eversholt Hall. What a fantastic occasion! The sun was shining and there was even a chocolate fountain in honour of our guest presenter, Carole Matthews, latest book.
If you weren’t there, you missed something special. Over 70 people attended, including award winners, learners, tutors, friends and invited guests. The whole emphasis was on learners who had done well. It was an inspiring occasion and a reminder to us all of how learning can change peoples lives.
Heather Maggs, Chair on the Learning Partnership facilitated. John Swadling, an award winner from last year told us what winning the award had meant to him and how there isn’t a day goes by when he is not learning something new.
We Celebrate Learners of the Year!
Carole Matthews, local best selling novelist, presented the awards after giving a humorous insight into her Adult Learning experiences. But, it was the learners, who were the real stars. They told us their stories and it was clear what a difference learning had made, how motivated they were and how positive they are about the future.
Family Learning
Shabeena Akhta
Nominated by Pat Lander, Luton Adult & Community Learning.
Shabeena came to the UK 7 years ago from Pakistan having had no education. Her determination to support her children has motivated her to improve her English skills. She began by attending a local Family Literacy course with a little understanding of English but unable to read or write it. Shabeena also joined a beginners ESOL group, and a Keeping Up with your Children course because she is keen to learn with her children and to support them with their learning. Shabeena has made an excellent start on what could be a long journey and recognises the wider benefits of gaining her independence through learning English.
Learning through Partnership
Gill Hall & Gail Murphy
Nominated by Sandra Webb, Bedfordshire Spark Adult Learning.
Gill and Gail work as the Project Manager and Family Worker on the Family Friends project which provides three community rooms where adult and family groups can meet to participate in activities. Family Friends offers support, advice and learning opportunities in a safe, welcoming environment, providing a range of activities for parents and their children, in line with the aims of the Children’s Fund, who fund this provision. They work with partners to provide a wide range of learning opportunities for the local community in the Tithe Farm and Parkside areas of Houghton Regis and the Beecroft area of Dunstable.
Learning Champion
Angela Evans
Nominated by Pamela Heath, Beecroft School, Dunstable.
Angela is Joint Project Leader for the Living & Learning Project (Extended Schools & Services) which runs across 6 local schools. Angela actively encourages local parents to attend a variety of courses which have been run in partnership with Family Community Learning, Adult and Community Learning, Bedfordshire Police, Sports Development, Family Matters Institute. Activities include Keep Fit and Dance, Creative Art, Improving Prospects, Self Esteem Building. Angela is currently arranging an ASDAN course for a volunteer certificate. Angela in an inspiration to all.
Lifelong Learner
Josie Bass
Nominated by Paola Algar & Lindy Lloyd, Luton Adult & Community Learning.
Josie is the epitome of a true lifelong learner. At almost the age of 80 she continues to undertake new learning challenges. Josie has attended many adult education courses at Luton Adult and Community Learning since 2003 while also managing to juggle her many community commitments. Josie has progressed from introductory computer courses to accredited level 1 CLAIT and is now enrolled on several computer workshops. This year Josie expanded her repertoire by enrolling on an Italian course.
Adult Learner of the Year
Giorgio Cossu
Nominated by Anjana Parmar, Luton Training & Mentoring
Giorgio now in his 30’s was recently diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. Through the support and encouragement of Luton Training and Mentoring he has progressed immensely and has gained a lot of confidence and self esteem. In the last 9 months he has completed 2 training courses each course consisting of 3 months and has now joined Learn Direct to improve his key skills. Giorgio has recently given a presentation to 15 new candidates who he faced with courage and nerve explaining his journey and how the mentoring has changed his life.
Tutor of the Year
Peter Hampton
Nominated by Bob Shore, Dunstable College
Peter is a dedicated tutor of who ‘going the extra yard’ is the norm. Peter leads delivery of Carpentry and Joinery and Furniture Making in Luton as a partnership activity with NOAH. This partnership specialises in the rehabilitation of recovering addicts of either/both alcohol or drugs. His work helps participants re-focus their lives and gives them a new direction. One client said “Peter has helped me turn my life around and has probably saved me from myself”. Peter is a constant source of energy and drive to students and staff alike and is a shining example of education at its best.
Volunteer
Michael Holder
Nominated by Anjana Parmar, Luton Training and Mentoring
Due to ill health, Michael, was unable to continue working as an Aircraft Engineer and his dream of achieving his degree qualification. However, Michael found the strength to put his own struggles aside and decided to dedicate his life in helping others. Michael has gained his Mentoring Level 3 qualification and has become a wonderful role model to staff and others around him with his determination to help others. Michael has given support and encouragement to so many by helping them reach their true potential by playing the valuable role of a Mentor. Michael still continues to learn further by attending Adult training programmes. Michael’s dedication is very humbling to both the staff at LTM and his many Mentees.
A special thank you…
All the award winners received £200 of learning vouchers. The vouchers were sponsored by: Barnfield College, Bedford College, Dunstable College, Luton 6th Form College and University of Luton (all part of the Bedfordshire Federation of Colleges), Extended Schools, Bedfordshire County Council and Luton Adult & Community Learning, Luton Borough Council. To each, a special thank you and expect to hear from the lucky winners soon!
Local Learners Get Regional Praise
We were also lucky enough to have two Regional Award Winners join us for the ceremony, Anwer Usmani, nominated by Anjana Parmar of Luton Training & Mentoring and Rubel Choudhury, nominated by Calvin Parsons of Barnfield College. Anwer and Rubel were presented with their awards at the Eastern Region Awards Ceremony organised by the Thurrock Learning Partnership.
