Adult learners celebrated for commitment and resilience
Adult learners who have produced exceptional work, shown resilience and commitment have been celebrated at a special celebration ceremony.
Wirral Council’s Lifelong Learning Service held the event at The Lauries in Birkenehead, where 54 learners received certificates from the Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Mary Jordan.
There were more than 1,500 learners who enrolled in a wide range of courses throughout the year, including maths, English, family learning and essential digital skills.
The learners were recognised for their progress and overcoming education or personal challenges.
Cllr Jordan said:
To see people who overcome barriers and tremendous hardship - such as the Ukrainian group who learnt English to help themselves and their family to resettle in a new country - is absolutely amazing.
Lifelong Learning, to me, is something w do all the time whatever it is about. To carry on learning and never stop keeps us young. I think that when you stop learning, you start stagnating.
Among those recognised was a learner who undertook an Improve Your English, Reading & Digital Skills course. She wanted to pursue her ambition of becoming a teaching assistant, supporting children with special educational needs.
She said:
I came here because my daughter has autism and ADHD and I have dyslexia and autism.
I wanted to learn English and maths to become a teaching assistant to help children with special needs in education. I didn’t have a good experience at school and didn’t get what I needed at the time.
Another learner, who studied English to Help Your Child/Grandchild and was awarded a prize, said:
My confidence has grown coming to these courses by meeting people and it’s been great for my mental health.
As part of Refugee Awareness Week, those who enrolled on English for speakers of other languages courses created heart-decorated table centrepieces for the awards ceremony.
Following the event, the hearts - which featured the learner’s name and home country - were brought together in a montage to symbolise the simple acts of kindness, connection and shared experiences that help build strong, welcoming communities.
Artwork and sewing projects created by learners were also showcased during the event.
Fiona Bell, Learner Support Curriculum Lead, said:
We are proud that we have developed a really special community of learning where people feel safe, supported, included and valued.
Learning is an amazing platform from which we can raise aspirations and life chances, support resilient communities, promote a learning culture in families, tackle social isolation, support mental health and wellbeing, improve pre-employment skills and qualifications, make new friends and gain confidence.
Everybody who received an award showed resilience, determination and commitment to learning. It was an honour and a great opportunity for us to say congratulations to them and recognise their achievement.
Are you interested in signing up to a Wirral Lifelong Learning Service course?
The curriculum on offer includes;
- Family Learning such as supporting a child’s learning and phonics
- Essential skills, such as English, Maths, EDS
- Practical and creative skills such as art and floristry
- Skills for volunteering and employment
- Plus many more courses. Click here a full list (updated every term).
English, maths, English for speakers of other languages, family learning and essential digital skills courses are free for everyone.
All other courses are free for adults over 19, living in Wirral and earning under £35,864.40 or in receipt of benefits.
For more information, visit the Wirral Lifelong Learners website or email lifelonglearning@wirral.gov.uk.
