Slough Borough Council’s lifelong learning team and The Rotary Club of Slough hosted the third annual awards ceremony to celebrate the ‘Learner of the Year’ on Thursday July 3.
The special Slough award went to Joanna Lewis from Britwell, Slough a 33 year old mother of two young boys.
Joanna started work at an early age to support her family and in doing so missed out on the chance to complete her school studies.
After a period of unchallenging of jobs, taking time out to raise a family and suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Joanna made the decision to return to learning and enrolled herself onto an ICT course to refresh her skills and improve her employment opportunities.
Her hard work paid off, and she has recently been appointed as a medical health support worker for the NHS.
Joanna said: "At first I had no idea how to switch a computer on. Now I am confident enough to use a computer anywhere.
"All the courses ran in my neighbourhood at times that were right for me, so I was able to get to them very easily. I have also completed further courses, which I am comfortable doing in spite of my disability.
"I would like to thank the lifelong learning team, especially my tutor Aditi Bhatt who has been patient and supported me throughout, allowing my confidence to grow with every new day."
Two runner-up commendations were awarded to Naureen Safdar, who successfully completed classes in sewing and tapestry despite struggling with communication skills being unable to read or write, and Arvinder Jassar, who came to lifelong learning after suffering from depression and being advised by her doctor to take up an activity.
Arvinder joined a number of creative craft classes through out the terms, which have benefited her health greatly.
The ‘Star Tutor’ award went to Angela Hudgell, who teaches family learning, skills for life and vocational ICT sessions. Angela began teaching ICT at secondary schools and now juggles her work with lifelong learning alongside her main job as a tutor in a psychiatric unit.
Cllr Patricia O’Connor, commissioner for Slough opportunity and skills, said “The accounts of those nominated at the ceremony are truly inspirational.
“The council has supported and nurtured learners from differing educational, social and emotional backgrounds with great success. This awards ceremony is a great way to acknowledge the hard work of all involved.”
Safia Mohamud, vocational curriculum manager for Slough Borough Council, said “The awards this year have been a great success; 13 learners were commended for their commitment and four tutors were nominated as ‘Star Tutors’.
“We hope this celebration of talent will highlight the quality of sessions available to residents, and encourage them to sign up to lifelong learning and achieve a new skill of their own.”
To find out more about the lifelong learning courses, please call 01753 875247 or email LifelongLearning@slough.gov.uk.
Slough Borough Council
