The Isle of Wight Council’s Adult Community Learning Service celebrated the nationwide Festival of Learning with a special awards evening earlier this month.
The Festival of Learning, led by the Learning and Work Institute, invites organisations and communities to take part in adult learning activities, to showcase the wide range of opportunities and resources available to adults hoping to continue or resume their education.
The awards evening, held at the Community Learning Centre, Ryde, was an opportunity to share the stories that showcase the achievements of individuals and communities. The winners highlight how adult learning benefits personal well-being and enjoyment, as well as supporting the economy through opportunities to gain qualifications.
Winners on the evening included:
• Jackie Pullen, a Southern Housing resident who was an enthusiastic member of the Digital Smart Start course. The Digital Smart course was an idea that Louise Baugh from Southern Housing Group approached the Council with, which blends learning about personal finances, as well as learning to use computers and the internet.
• Maggie Boyce, Sam Davis and Justin Pinder who are peer volunteers at My Time IW, based at Quay House, which provides mental health services to individuals to support their personal recovery journey and provides encouragement to achieve their educational goals.
• Jodi Collett-Rogers, who completed a Level 1 Award in Developing Confidence and Self-awareness course, with Bodster Equine Assisted Learning Centre and has since gained employment in a pre-school.
• Carol Evans, who has gained qualifications in Maths, English and ICT over the past two years through attending courses at the Community Learning Centre. Carol’s qualifications have helped her gain employment as a veterinary receptionist.
• Sam Reece West-Long, who was signposted by the Shaw Trust to an employability and well-being course, delivered by MC Enhancement. Sam has since gained employment with B&Q and now volunteers with MC Enhancement to support others with personal confidence and employment skills.
The awards were presented by Councillor Jonathan Bacon, Leader and Executive member for resources, organisational change and children’s services who said:
“I am very pleased to be part of the Adult Learning Awards this year and to meet with inspiring adults to celebrate their personal achievements.
“Adult learning is an important part of what we do and we look forward to opening our doors to anyone who is interested in returning to learning as an adult and helping them to kick-start their learning journey”.
