Adult Learners’ Week – National Awards Ceremony Thursday, May 14, 2009 - 15:13

NIACE's Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, attended the National Awards Ceremony - in London, on Friday 15th May 2009 - to present awards.

Hosting the ceremony was TV and radio presenter Philippa Forrester, who returned to learning as an adult to study a degree in Ecology and Conservation - gaining a First - at Birkbeck College in London, while she continued to present Tomorrow's World.

The winners were awarded in recognition of their dedication and commitment to learning.

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."

Tony McNulty MP, Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions, said:

"I am pleased that the ESF is again sponsoring Adult Learners' Week this year. It is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of learners and to show how it can help improve job prospects. All the winners' stories will undoubtedly inspire even more people to engage in learning."

Viv Bird, Chief Executive of Booktrust, the sponsors of the Power of Reading Award, said:

"The Booktrust: Power of Reading Award celebrates the contribution that books and reading give to adult learners. Judging this award was a challenging and inspirational experience and we were impressed by the wonderful achievements of the many entrants who revealed the transformative power of reading in their own lives."

Elizabeth Reid, Chief Executive of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, said:

"Everyone should receive a world class education, including those returning to learning. Specialist schools and academies have an important role in encouraging more adults to learn and are well placed within their communities to provide them with the opportunity to fulfil their potential."

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."