Minister honours Wandsworth's adult learners

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith, was the guest of honour as this year's Wandsworth Lifelong Learning Awards.

Mr Duncan Smith was joined on stage by the council's executive member for education, Cllr Kathy Tracey, to present some of the borough's highest achieving adult learners with a series of awards recognising their commitment and success over the past 12 months.

The annual ceremony, now in its seventh year, took place last Thursday (July 15), at the Civic Suite, Wandsworth High Street.

Speaking on the night, the Secretary of State praised the work of the council's lifelong learning team and the enthusiasm and determination displayed by the borough's adult learners.

He emphasised the importance of adults from all backgrounds having a second chance at education and the positive benefits it can bring to their lives.

Radhika Lane, a student at the Aspire Centre at Southfields Community College, was crowned Wandsworth Council's Adult Learner of the Year.

Radhika has successfully completed courses in literacy, numeracy, parenting and an NVQ Level 3 in pharmacy service. Her next challenge is a foundation course in medicine at Kingston University.

Ian Kelly of the Thomas Pocklington Resource Centre received a special commendation for his determination and commitment to learning and finding employment.

Ian is partially sighted and was unemployed when he first became involved with the lifelong learning service. In just over six months Ian's positive attitude has enabled him to take on three part-time jobs. He wasted no time asking Mr Duncan Smith if there was a job for him at the House of Commons!

Other adult learners who received special recognition include Rahel Yemane (Yvonne Carr Centre), Natalie Painter (Wandsworth Drugs Project), Lisa Burford (Apprenticeships) and Chantelle Bartolo (Apprenticeships).

Tutors collecting prizes for outstanding commitment included John Fisher (igospel), Tessa Woodhall (Apprenticeships), Ursula Skarbek (Wandsworth Mencap), Julia Roxborough (SHARE Community) and Fiona Mooney (Aspire Centre Southfields Community College).

During the evening more than 200 residents were presented with certificates of achievement in subjects including business administration, literacy, information technology, numeracy, and many more.

A number of young people and adults on apprenticeship programmes also took to the stage to receive certificates.

Cllr Kathy Tracey said: "Congratulations to all of our adult learners on their outstanding achievements. I'm delighted that once again so many local people have decided to take on new challenges and learn valuable new skills.

"In Wandsworth we've worked extremely hard to make sure anyone with the desire to learn, regardless of their age or background, has the opportunity to continue their education.

"In partnership with the many excellent education providers we have here in our borough, we will continue to make adult learning a priority."

A recent inspection report from Ofsted highlighted the council's lifelong learning service as offering "outstanding value for money", an "outstanding Family Learning programme", "exemplary partnership working" and "very clear strategic direction".

The education watchdog also praised the "outstanding vision of its senior managers" and the "tireless work" of its "highly motivated staff".

For further information on adult education classes for 2010/11 visit the adult education pages of the council’s website www.wandsworth.gov.uk/adulteducation or contact (020) 8871-8626 for a brochure.

Live music was provided on the night by Professional Centre Adult Choir. The talented group has recently performed at the Royal Festival Hall as part of Sing Inspiration 2010, an initiative that brought together a number of choirs from across London.

The picture shows Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith presenting Radhika Lane with the Wandsworth Council's Adult Learner of the Year Award.