East Coker Learner Wins National Award

University Centre Yeovil (UCY) Student, Janet Thomas, aged 49, from East Coker, has been awarded for her remarkable effort, commitment and dedication to learning by the organisers of the UK's largest festival of learning, the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE).

Janet will be presented with an Individual Learner Award as part of Adult Learners' Week 20th – 26th May 2006. Janet has completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education for Post Compulsory Education at the UCY as well as a teaching qualification for Basic Skills Numeracy and Literacy. Being profoundly deaf since birth, she had to rely on lip reading whilst in class which was difficult because the class was so large.

Janet explained, "I felt that learning was important even though I left school without any qualifications. My learning experience has enabled me to change direction in my life – learning has given me the opportunity to plan ahead, change my career path and to make positive decisions all within a friendly environment."

Rachel Thomson, Senior Campaigns Officer at NIACE, said, "Every year our Adult Learners' Week Awards highlight the creativity, imagination and energy adults – young and old – bring to their learning. Learners have to address many challenges, overcome struggles and carve out time for learning from crowded lives. But one thing is common to all our winners, they have recognised the passion learning can unlock – the way it opens doors, transforms your life and the lives of those around you."

Gordon Pursglove, Head of European Social Fund (ESF) Division, at the Department for Work and Pensions, said, "I am delighted that this is the fifteenth year European Social Fund money will be used to support Adult Learners' Week. I hope that the success of all of this year's winners will inspire many more people to develop their true potential."