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ALW 2006 North East Region Award Winners

Garry Cooney, age 32, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Nominated by: Una McNicholl, Family Learning
Press Contact: Maxine Cliff, Newcastle Council, Tel: 0191 211 5327 Email: maxine.cliff@newcastle.gov.uk

A new and happy family life

As a single dad, Garry was facing a number of difficulties in settling his family into a new life and the children into a new school.

He was encouraged to join the family learning course at Tyneview Primary in spring 2005 by the Headteacher. He passed his national test in Literacy and Numeracy Level 1 and following an Information, Advice and Guidance interview he participated in, and completed, a Classroom Assistant course at Westgate Community College.

In 2005 Garry and his family were invited to London to present his involvement with adult learning to the Adult Learning Inspectorate Chief Inspectors Conference, who were impressed with his dedication and commitment to adult learning.

His newly accomplished qualifications have secured Garry a job as a Support Worker for people with learning needs and learning difficulties at South Tyneside College. His new job enables him to continue his commitment to family life, which was one of Garry’s priorities. He says, “Adult Learning has given me the opportunity to make a difference to my life and the lives of my children. It has opened up a new career path for me.”

Denise Jenkins, age 47, Stockton, Cleveland
Nominated by: Katrina Coleman, The Open University in the North East
Press Contact: Bernadette Shaw. Tel: 0191 2841611. Email: b.shaw@open.ac.uk

A new lease of life

Despite being out of education for 30 years, Denise’s confidence in herself and belief in her own educational ability grew whilst progressing on an Open University (OU) course.

Denise was given the opportunity of returning to learn through the Stockton Carers Centre after her mother passed away, successfully completed the Open University Certificate in Health and Social Care in June 2005 and has now progressed onto an OU Level 2 course.

The course has given Denise a new lease of life. She has since moved from her call centre job to working as a Carer’s Facilitator at Stockton Carers Centre. Her experience as a carer provides her with the understanding and compassion for other carers.

She says, “with adult learning you get more confidence and you want to do better and better, it has just opened up so many things for me.”

Anna Kennett, age 22, Stockton on Tees, Cleveland
Nominated by: Dr Mark Craigie, Durham University
Press Contact: Steve Leech. Tel: 0191 3340260. Email: s.j.leech@dur.ac.uk

Determination triumphs

“During her first year of study Anna’s mother died of cancer and she assumed guardianship of her two younger sisters,” says nominator Dr Mark Craigie. “Despite the tragic loss, she demonstrated remarkable determination and resolve, achieving a 2:1 in Applied Psychology from Durham University.”

Since graduating in 2005 Anna has continued with her studies and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in the Psychology department at Durham University.

Anna is also considering counselling as a career to help others as a result of her positive experience of counselling. She feels that, “adult learning sums up the idea that learning never stops over a lifetime, it’s an ongoing process.”

Kevin King, age 28, Marske-by-the-Sea, Redcar
Nominated by: Anne Donovan, Prior Pursglove College
Tel: 01287 280800 Email: a.donovan@prior.pursglove.ac.uk

Education changed my life

Kevin had spent most of his life in and out of trouble due to petty crime and drug addiction. Subsequently he left school and a Young Offenders’ Institute with no reading, writing or numeracy skills. He has since been learning literacy and numeracy at Prior Pursglove College through its Offenders’ Learning and Skills initiative in partnership with the Probation Service and has achieved his Level 1 in both subjects.

Kevin met with Phil Hope MP, Minister for Education and Skills, and talked to him about support for offenders and made valuable recommendations to tackling prejudice and discrimination against ex-offenders in the employment sector. He also uses his experience to talk to offenders about how learning can change lives.

Kevin now hopes to use his new qualifications to get into employment and lead a more fulfilling life. “I want to give something back to society…I can use myself as an example of someone who has used education to turn their life around,” he states.

Pascal Sakouvogui, age 30, Middlesbrough
Nominated by: Helen Weir, Middlesbrough Adult Education Service
Tel: 01642 732 047. Email: helen_weir@hotmail.com

An opportunity to change my life

Pascal’s ambition is to become a Civil engineer and he’s working hard towards the dream.

Since arriving in England in April 2005 Pascal has achieved Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) skills for life entry level 1 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. In the summer of 2005 he enrolled for summer school at entry level 3. He was subsequently accepted onto a part-time degree course in Civil Engineering at Teesside University.

Pascal has successfully completed one term of his degree and continues to study English at Middlesbrough Adult Education Service. He is also doing some voluntary work at the University helping children and the elderly.

Pascal describes adult learning as, “an opportunity for me to change my life.”

Tracy Robson, age 33, Crook, Durham
Nominated by: Susan Duggan, Bishop Auckland College, Durham
Press contact: Steve Thow, Tel. 01388 443000. Email: steve.thow@bacoll.ac.uk 

Commitment to learning despite adverse circumstances

Tracy describes learning as something “everyone should give a go, because you feel better in yourself.”

She has been studying for a Level 2 qualification in Early Years Practice, from a base of no qualifications at all, a mistrust of educational institutions and a lack of confidence in her own abilities. She has shown commitment under sometimes adverse circumstances. Her son has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and needs extra support in school that only his mum is able to give. “Tracy always produces work of a very high standard, despite her difficulties with reading and writing,” says Susan Duggan of Bishop Auckland College, which runs the Early Years Practice course in a community venue in partnership with Sure Start Wear Valley East.

Tracy also does voluntary work for Sure Start. “Once a week I run a playgroup in the local youth centre. I also do ‘Green Start’ every week, helping parents and children make the most of the outdoors in their neighbourhood.”

Ammara Daud and Wadood Ahmed Daud, Stockton on Tees
Nominated by: Amtusha Kuor Ahmed, Becon, Newcastle
Tel: 01642 535623

A real asset to the community

Wadood and Ammara have proved themselves to be a real asset to their community since arriving as refugees and, despite their young age, have demonstrated an incredibly mature attitude to learning and education. They experienced a very difficult time as they waited for their asylum case to be heard, and continue to wait for the outcome of their parents’ case, but even during this time, they attended Skill Share’s Management Training courses, and applied to progress onto further study. They have attended various training courses and day sessions covering a range of subjects, and are now teaching Urdu GCSE in the local community centre, or helping in the mosque. They demonstrate a positive attitude to life and learning and have enthusiasm and plans for the future – Ammara wants to study further and develop a career in health and social care, while Wadood wants to open his own store.

Contact Centre Professional Ltd, Newcastle upon Tyne
Nominator and press contact: Shona Harper, Tel. 0191 350 6222, E-mail shona@ccpro.co.uk

Calling adults to re-skill for employment

Based in Easington, the third most deprived ward in country, and funded by the European Social Fund, the Contact Centre Routeway Programme was launched in March 2003 to provide high quality learning to unemployed people and those on the disability register to meet the demand for skilled workers to enter the expanding contact centre industry.

The programme works with all unemployed individuals aged 18-65, specialising in work with disadvantaged groups including the long-term unemployed, those on incapacity benefit, lone parents, disability groups and ex-offenders. Many of the participants have come from the area’s former manufacturing industries and the programme works with individuals to help them understand and overcome their barriers to learning and employment, including abusive home situations (and domestic violence), alcoholism and drug, self-esteem and confidence issues.

Local employers are encouraged to promote the programme to adults who may have been unsuccessful through their recruitment processes with a view to individuals attending training to gain the necessary skills before re-applying for the position. 130 adults were engaged in 2005, 77% of participants leave the course with the skills equivalent to pre-entrant level and over 90% of learners moved into full- or part-time employment.

“The programme’s innovation is the fact that it is highly sector-specific”, Shona Harper from Contact Centre Professional Ltd explains. “It is centred on addressing the recurring problems faced within the [contact centre] industry, namely staff retention rates, attrition and recruitment of suitable candidates. The retention figures last quarter stand at 100%, which is evidence that the approach and delivery methods work in engaging learners. Once in employment, 86% of learners… are still in employment 13 weeks after starting”.

Bridge Women’s Education and Support Project, Washington, Tyne & Wear
Nominator and press contact: Sheila Davidson, Tel. 0191 417 2445, E-mail sheiladavidson_bridge@yahoo.co.uk

A model of sustainability and empowerment

The Bridge Project was established as a two-year project: in July, it is celebrating its 21st birthday. Employing over 150 staff and 102 volunteers, it operates across four centres and has strong outreach links to local communities. Bridge has had a significant impact in challenging traditional education in Sunderland to make it accessible and meaningful for women - young, old and in all their diversity. Courses offered range from confidence-building and skills for life programmes, to health and childcare programmes; from Level 2 qualifications to forensic science and powertool training. Nearly 2,500 women participated last year, 68% of whom gained qualifications. Progression to FE, higher education and employment is strong.

“Our shared belief in women, our passion for learning and its ability to bring about enduring and enlightening change to women’s lives; our ability to excite learners and retain them; our responsiveness and will to breakdown every barrier; and our holistic approach to learning is what makes Bridge special”, says nominator Sheila Davidson.

Robert Douglas, age 66, Corbridge, Northumberland
Nominated by: Nigel Todd, Workers’ Educational Association, Gateshead
Tel: 0191 461 8100 Emal: ntodd@wea.org.uk

A story worth telling…

“Bob’s life is a triumph for a nice, ordinary bloke who overcame great and daunting obstacles and now communicates with thousands of people,” says nominator Nigel.

His mother died when he was young in a poverty-stricken Glasgow and he had an extremely neglectful father. With very few educational opportunities, Bob learned the language and culture of the streets but personal values deterred him from crime and violence. He then went to onto gaining employment as a minor, soldier and then a prison officer.

Bob’s passion for writing emerged when he attended the Worker’s Educational Association’s creative writing course. Since the course Bob has had articles in newspapers and magazines as well as the first volume of his autobiography published. His autobiography was accorded Book of the Month by both Waterstones and WH Smith.

Bob is now working on two new volumes of his biography and uses his expertise to encourage others on the course.

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Glenholme Learners, Durham
Nominated by: Susan Duggan, Bishop Auckland College, Durham
Press contact: Steve Thow. Tel: 01388 443000. Email: steve.thow@bacoll.ac.uk

Group support goes a long way

This group has been studying for a level 2 qualification – NCFE Intermediate Certificate in Early Years Practice. The course is run in a community venue on partnership with Sure Start Wear Valley East and Bishop Auckland College. As part of their studies the group has been working in local childcare settings, supporting the community as well as developing transferable skills. Some began with no previous qualifications.

Many are now Sure Start volunteers, aiming to get paid employment in the childcare sector.

Group members say, “Our own parenting skills have improved, and we are now able to advise other parents on childcare matters.”

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