Adult learner wins national recognition
A Barry woman who has transformed her life through learning has
won national recognition.
Julie Jones, who started out on the adult learning path as a
participant in the Vale Open Learning Centre’s Family Learning
Programme at Colcot School, was presented with the National
Institute of Adult Continuing Education's Intergenerational and
Family Learning Award at a ceremony at Cardiff's Coal Exchange on
May 24.
Julie, who hopes her achievements will inspire and motivate
others to get involved in learning, joined the course in order to
support her grandchildren and enjoyed it so much she caught the
"learning bug."
Towards the end of the course, she paid a visit to the OLC at
its old headquarters at Holton Road School - it is now based
at Provincial House at Kendrick Road - and decided to continue
her studies. She says: “The course has given me the confidence to
tackle tasks in all aspects of my life that I would not have
previously tried.”
Julie's achievements are testimony to the fact that the power of
learning can change lives for the better and she is thrilled she
can now help her grandsons with their homework. She adds: “Going
back to learning has helped me understand more fully how children
are taught at school."
Family Learning Programme organiser Michele Carter says: “Julie
quickly became a key member of the group and we were delighted when
she gained an impressive 95% in her maths exam.”
Family Learning courses operate in several schools in the Vale.
Look out for details in your child's school.
Just like the ‘Oscars" and, in preparation for the Inspire Adult
Learner Award ceremony, NIACE filmed a short interview with Julie,
Michele and Shirley Russ, Early Years Teacher with the Family
Learning Team.
You can find out more about courses in English, English for
Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), maths and IT offered by the
Vale Basic Skills Service by visiting their headquarters in
Provincial House or telephoning (01446) 736466.
end
Caption: National award winner Julie Jones
(centre) with Family Learning Programme organiser Michele Carter
(left) and Shirley Russ, Early Years Teacher with the Family
Learning Team.