Learning award winner speaks on Woman's Hour Thursday, May 28, 2009 - 13:57

Adult Learners' Week award winner, Nicky Jecks - aged 30, from Kettering - left school with few qualifications, but four children and thirteen years later she is on her way to study Medicine at Cambridge University. She was interviewed on Woman's Hour - on Tuesday 26 May 2009.

Nicky is currently studying A-levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Sociology and she was awarded with a Student of the Year award by Tresham College. She has consistently achieved high grades and scored 100 per cent in four of her papers despite having to unexpectedly deliver her fourth child alone at home during her studies.

Her tutor, Gill Hayduk, said:

"She was present in my lecture on Friday, gave birth on the following Tuesday and was back in lessons on Monday, having completed work that was set during the previous week."

As well as her many family commitments and studies, Nicky provides respite care to two elderly relatives and mentors a young lady with a learning disability. She has had six years of working with adults with learning disabilities and is experienced at helping care for people with autism. She also was part of a large medical team working in a nursing home.

Nicky said:

"I returned to education thinking that I was too old to embark on a change of career...but...since returning to education I have rediscovered a delight in learning."

She continued:

"Juggling family and college life has given me confidence in my ability to cope under great pressure and has made me even more determined to succeed. Learning has afforded me the opportunity to change my life by offering my family a bright future."

Further Education Minister Sion Simon said:

"The Adult Learners' Week Awards are a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate the achievements of learners around the country. As the awards show, learning in all its many forms leads to a host of benefits not only for the individual learner, but also for their families and the wider community."

He continued:

"I hope the award winners will inspire others to rediscover learning. Whether your goal is to be able to help your children with their homework, realise a career aspiration or simply learn for pleasure, brushing up on existing skills or learning new ones can transform your life."

Rachel Thomson, Senior Campaigns Officer at NIACE, said:

"The outstanding adult learning we celebrate during Adult Learners' Week shows the range and breadth of adults' enthusiasms, skills and determination to succeed, often against the odds. Our winners are remarkable - for their energy, commitment and talent - and each and every one should be extremely proud of what they've achieved."