Inspirational learners required
The search for exceptional and inspirational adult learners to receive a national award during the UK’s largest festival of learning has started. As part of Adult Learners’ Week, the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) recognises learners – young and old and in all their diversity – for the remarkable achievements they have made through learning.
Each year NIACE receives over 1000 nominations about individuals, families and groups of learners whose lives have been transformed because of learning. Each of learners’ stories show how learning as an adult can create confidence, inspire new careers and change lives for the better.
David Haigh, from Cumbria, a previous Adult Learners’ Week Award winner, said, “Since winning the award life has totally changed for me in ways I never imagined. At the time I won the award I didn't yet understand the potential of what I was getting into. Before I had zero self confidence. My life had hit a crunch point and I was basically working on the premise that being dead by 30 was pretty much the outcome of my sad and miserable life. No friends and a family that had well and truly disowned me and jail was now just a footstep away.”
He continued, “It is impossible to explain the full implications that learning has on my life. In many ways learning is my life. I look at problems as new opportunities to gain fresh understanding and knowledge. I rarely fail and when I do I merely go back learn from my mistakes and succeed. I work in conjunction with several charities, one of which I am a board director. I am in the process of setting up a business in order to train and assist ex offenders and the disadvantaged get access to services and useful courses and resources. In general I lead an extremely successful and rewarding life that benefits others as well as myself.”
Rachel Thomson, Senior Campaigns Officer at NIACE, said, “As David and many thousands of other people prove every year – learning changes lives for the better. We want to hear the stories of people who – through determination, commitment and dedication – have transformed their lives through learning. Whether they’ve changed careers, started a new business, become happier and more fulfilled individuals or great role models for their family and friends – we want to hear about their learning journeys.
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