An “inspirational” father of five from Rhyl has escaped the dole queue to create a new life as a college tutor.
David Donachie, 41, was “depressed and climbing the walls” at home until Coleg Harlech Workers’ Educational Association.
The remarkable transformation in his life has now earned national recognition at the Inspire Adult Learner Awards where he was highly commended.
A native of Middlesbrough, David trained originally as a fruit machine repairer and came to Rhyl to manage amusements sites.
A car accident left him with chronic back problems and he was unable to work, stuck at home and suffering from depression and lacking in any self-confidence.
David took his first tentative steps to a new future three years ago by enrolling on a basic digital photography course run by Coleg Harlech WEA at the Rhyl Community Fire Station.
The organisation offers adults without formal qualifications the chance to study either at the courses they run right across North Wales or their college in the historic castle town.
After successfully completing a series of digital photography and IT courses, the other tutors saw his potential.
As a result, David’s completed a Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning course and is now running his own IT classes – but things were very different a few years ago.
He recalled: “I was unemployed for 12 months and it got to the point where I wasn’t functioning properly really. I was diagnosed with depression.
“I didn’t want to go out and it was a big step for me to actually come in the first place to join the class and it was a daunting experience.
“I found a new lease of life, met new people and learnt a new skill, but most of all gained my confidence back.
“I went on to complete four other courses with Coleg Harlech WEA, during this time I got to know the tutors well.
“I have a technical background and so started to help tutors with technical support, this led me to attend courses voluntarily which I wasn’t enrolled on, helping the learners as well as keeping the computer equipment running.
“With the experience that I had gained I decided to enrol on a teacher training course with Coleg Llandrillo. Up to now I have now completed the first part of the course and have a teaching qualification.
“I have always been encouraged and supported by my peer tutors and office staff at Coleg Harlech,
“I am now teaching technical computer skills to people of all ages and personalities.”
Among the people who’ve mentored David is IT tutor Alison Whitehead who nominated him for the award. She is extremely proud of the “fantastic progress” he’s achieved.
Alison said: “David started with me doing a basic digital photography course a couple of years ago.
“He got completely got engrossed in what he was doing and then just carried on going.
“He also helped out in class, he was my right hand man after a while and I could see that he had a real connection with the people that we were helping.
“I could see his strengths coming out and I knew he would be a good teacher. He just went from strength to strength and his confidence grew.
“David’s success epitomises what Coleg Harlech is all about – giving people a second chance at life.
“The award was extremely well deserved and I am very proud of what he has achieved. His story is a real inspiration and I wish him every success in future.”
For his part, David is grasping the opportunity with both hands.
He added: “Coleg Harlech has changed my life completely and given me a start and a new career for me.
“I would recommend to anyone wanting to learn new skills and meet new people that joining a college course is the way to go about it.”
For more information about the courses offered by Coleg Harlech WEA contact Betty Mason by ringing 01492 536693 or emailing [email protected]. You can also log on to: www.harlech.ac.uk
