Caerphilly Youth Forum was one on the winners at the 2014 Celebration of Achievement awards
Adult learners, tutors and education staff united for a special ‘Celebration of Achievement’ event at Llancaiach Fawr Manor last week.
The showpiece, hosted by Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Community Education department during Adult Learners’ Week, recognised the achievements of adult learners and tutors in community education. The event also provided the opportunity for the council to show its appreciation to staff for the valued contributions they have made to learning in their communities.
The Thursday 19th June event was compèred by renowned opera singer Beverley Humphreys, who also helped present awards to the winners of each category. Musical accompaniment on the evening was provided by St Martin’s Comprehensive School’s music department and harp player Nigel Ruddock.
Among those to scoop prizes on the evening was Catherine Woodhouse, who was the recipient of the Learner of the Year award. A few years ago Catherine was unemployed and her confidence was low. Catherine began a learning journey through the Adult Basic Education Class in Bedwas, learning new skills, increasing her confidence and self esteem, gaining new qualifications and ultimately obtaining employment.
Another one of the worthy award recipients was Angharad Williams, who picked up a Special Achievement award. Angharad has had to balance rehabilitation after a near fatal car crash with the daily challenges of being a young mum, but that has not held her back from learning new skills through her participation in the hugely successful Young and Expectant Parents Project. The young mum is now celebrating after being accepted to study psychology and counselling at university in September.
Elsewhere, the Caerphilly Youth Forum was one of two Project of the Year winners. The group plays an active role addressing issues that affect young people living in the county borough.
The full list of winners on the evening were:
- Class of the Year 2014 – Beatrice Webb Care Plan Writing Group
- Class Award 2014 – Sylfaen 1
- Special Achievement Award 2014 – Welsh Pontio Class
- Learner of the Year 2014 – Gillian Smith
- Learner of the Year 2014 – Catherine Woodhouse
- ILS Learner of the Year 2014 – Samantha Roberts
- Special Achievement Award – ILS Mentoring Team
- Family Learning Learner of the Year 2014 – Katerina Winston Jones
- Learning and Play Learner of the Year 2014 – Christina Kerr
- Tutor of the Year – Jonathan Watkins-Stuart
- Team of the Year 2013 – European Social Fund: Bridges into Work and Working Skills for Adults
- Informal Learning Group of the Year 2014 – Newbridge Family History Group
- Library of the Year 2014 – Rhymney Library
- Project of the Year 2014 – Young and Expectant Parents Project
- Project of the Year 2014 – The Youth Forum
- Young Learner 2014 – Joel Price
- Special Achievement Award – Angharad Williams
- Special Achievement Award – Penny Harris
- Youth Worker of the Year – Daniel Parker
- Frontline Service Award – Hayley Dymond
Cllr David Carter, Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “The range of awards handed out during the ‘Celebration of Achievement’ awards show the broad spectrum of learning opportunities on offer around the county borough. It has been very inspiring to listen to our winners’ stories, and how adult education has changed their lives. Congratulations to everyone who has taken part and has helped to make the 2014 ‘Celebration of Achievement’ awards such a success.”
For more information about Adult Education classes, please visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk/adulteducation. Alternatively, please call 01443 864105 or email [email protected].
