The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) has opened up
the nominations for the Adult Learners' Week Awards 2010.
Winners will be announced in May next year in individual, group, family and
project categories.
According to the NIACE, it is looking for adult learners who are
"extraordinary and inspiring" and who deserve recognition for transforming
people's lives through studying.
While only the truly exceptional will receive top honours, all of those who
receive a nomination will be given a certificate of achievement.
Those who know an adult learner who they think should win the prize need to
get their nominations in by January 29th 2010.
As well as the four main awards, there will also be gongs given out in six
additional categories, such as the Intergenerational Award and the Power of
Reading Award.
"The feeling of winning an award was wonderful and made me realise that I
must not underestimate my ability to achieve more," said Richard Stacey,
one of the winners in 2009.
Mr Stacey successfully completed a teacher training course and now teaches
deaf awareness and provides training for effective communication with deaf
people.
Last month, adult learner Laura Parsons said she "really enjoyed" her
course after she received an award for her work as a learning support
assistant at Yatton Infant School.
She told the Mercury that working towards her qualification had been "very
rewarding" and that it improved her ability to deal with certain situations
in the workplace.
Ms Parsons took the course to increase her experience and obtain a formal
qualification.
Thinking of taking the first step towards learning? See learners describe
their experiences, to see what to
expect.