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Welcome to the Sign Up Now January 2008 pages. This part of the site is split up into the 6 main sections shown above.
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Up Now: Learner of the Week
Stewart Holland used to be a successful businessman, running a courier company with 14 drivers. But he was forced to give it all up following a vicious assault three years ago. He was beaten up by a gang, smashed over the head with a full brandy bottle and left for dead - his assailants were never caught.
Following the attack, father-of-two Stewart became a virtual recluse and suffered from depression, too afraid to leave his home. Returning to study became part of his therapy - on doctors' advice he approached Hopwood Hall College.
He took an Access to Higher Education course, a one-year A-level equivalent
programme for mature students. Despite becoming seriously ill halfway through
and missing five weeks of studies, he gained A grades in his subjects, History
and Geography.
Stewart is currently reading History at Manchester Metropolitan University. "My
life is on the up again," he says. "My confidence is continuing to return and I
can now look forward instead of backwards. Adult learning offers people another
chance to further education and the opportunity to realise their full
potential."
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Listen to an Interview with
Stewart Holland here - [MP3 file 1 MB] (If the podcast does not start playing in your browser, right click and save it onto your computer and then play it back through your usual media player) |
If you know an inspirational learner whose story could inspire others to give learning a go, why not nominate them for an Adult Learners' Week Award? We've categories for individuals, groups, families and for projects. Click here to find out more about the nomination process and the Awards.