Celebrating the achievements of our adult learners
Camden’s adult learners and the tutors who support them were celebrated at an awards event at the British Museum – the first to be held since the pandemic.
Learners had their perseverance and commitment to learning recognised with Celebration of Achievement Awards, presented by the Mayor of Camden on Friday, 15 July.
These awards were given to local residents who have gained new skills to find work, learned English and maths to better support their children in school or nursery, followed a passion for art or tai chi and overcome physical, mental health and language barriers to complete their adult learning courses.
There were also two special awards – the Lifelong Learner Award and Lifetime Achievement Award – presented for outstanding achievements by the Council’s Cabinet Member for Best Start for Children and Families, Councillor Marcus Boyland.
All the award winners have been supported through their learning journeys by the Council’s adult community learning service. The service works closely with local schools, sheltered housing blocks, community centres and voluntary sector organisations to run courses tailored to the needs and aspirations of residents - including local people with health issues and disabilities, those who are facing significant life challenges, such as bereavement, fleeing their home country due to war, or residents who are at risk of being digitally excluded.
Retired nurse Hazel Reed, who has taken part in a range of adult learning classes, including mindfulness and arts and crafts, was one of this year’s award winners. Hazel said: “I love learning, I really do.”
The adult community learning service is actually based out there in the community. It has a massive impact on the wellbeing of residents, as well as helping them to achieve their learning goals and to narrow the digital divide. The difference it makes to local people’s lives is huge – many have improved their confidence and found work as a result, or started exercising regularly for the first time in many years to improve their health and wellbeing.
Congratulations to all our adult learners and the brilliant tutors who support them. I would like to encourage anyone who wants to learn a new skill, discover a new interest or activity, improve their English or maths, sharpen their CV to find work, or meet like-minded people to see what Camden’s adult community learning service has to offer.
- See photos of this year’s Adult Community Learning Award winners here
- For more information and to see the full range of courses on offer visit camden.gov.uk/adultlearning