Well done to all involved. This in from the council, in their own words, Ed
This year’s Adult Learners’ Week celebrations ended in a high with an awards ceremony to recognise the outstanding achievements of Island individuals and innovative learning projects.
Following a successful week of learning events organised by the council’s community learning team, an awards ceremony was held on Friday 24 May at the Community Learning Centre in Ryde.
Shown determination and drive
Awards were presented to 11 individuals and one organisation by Councillor Richard Priest, Isle of Wight Council cabinet member for children’s services. Island adult learning organisations nominated award winners for their outstanding contribution to learning.
Councillor Richard Priest, said:
“It was fantastic to meet those who have given so much of their time to help inspire others to learn new skills as well as those who have shown determination and drive to further their learning against the odds. I would like to congratulate all of the winners as well as the organisations that have played an important role in people’s learning.”
Adult Learners’ Week
Adult Learners’ Week happens in May every year and is a national celebration of the benefits of lifelong learning for adults whatever their age or background.
This year it ran from 18 to 24 May and provided an opportunity for local organisations to showcase their involvement in adult education. It also provides adults with the opportunity to try different taster classes.
This year’s award winners were:
- Kevin Cleightonhills, who has participated in many adult education classes as part of his recovery from a traumatic head injury.
- Amanda Coyle, who has participated in learning and volunteering opportunities over the past ten years. Determined to show her children that anything is possible, she is now nearing completion of an Open University degree.
- Catherine Coeshott for her involvement in carnival workshops which has led her to performing at the Paralympic closing ceremony and being part of the committee for the VIVA carnival group.
- Tamsyn Seymour and Michelle Crutcher were recognised for the support and encouragement of others to take part in family learning activities within schools.
- Judy Martin and Tina Hughes were recognised for their roles as Community Learning Champions, encouraging others to take part in formal and informal learning and showing great enthusiasm.
- Claire Kay and Leanne Urry for supporting others to gain computer skills to be able to access online services.
- Brading Roman Villa were recognised for their ‘Under the Sea’ community art and mosaic project.
- Olivia Faber, for her achievement of OCN qualifications with Bodster Equine Assisted Learning Centre, where she has since gone on to work as a volunteer. Olivia also won the South East Individual Learner Award at a prestigious ceremony in London.
- Brian Bamford was also presented with a framed photograph of his entry for the Adult Learners’ Week photo competition. Brian has been attending the Bodster Equine Assisted Learning Centre as part of their ‘Never Too Old’ project.
