Inspirational students shine at the Kirklees Adult and Community Learning Awards

Adult learners from Kirklees College were honoured in the 2019 Kirklees Adult and Community Learning Awards, at a glittering celebration held at the University of Huddersfield.

The awards celebrate the achievements of exceptional individuals, projects and groups who have shown outstanding passion, commitment and drive to improve themselves, their community or workplace through learning, often in the face of difficult circumstances.

Three learners were highlighted at the awards as exceptional and won in their award categories; Learning for Life, Overcoming Barriers and Outstanding Learner of the Year.

Samuel Augustine is studying Access to HE: Art and Design and despite significant personal difficulties has returned to education and performed his studies with enthusiasm and dedication, constantly offering guidance to his peers and producing work of outstanding quality, he has now secured a place to study at the University of Huddersfield. His award ‘Learning for Life’, celebrates how education can steer you towards the perfect pathway and deliver the skills needed to shine in your chosen field.

Miguel Aguera won, and was fully deserving of the Overcoming Barriers award, an award that celebrates resilience and determination and shows how education can turn a person’s life around. After overcoming periods of homelessness and embracing recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, Miguel enrolled on a Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care and throughout his studies was dedicated and committed to his learning. He has since secured three full days’ employment at the Basement Recovery Project and hopes to continue his studies and enroll onto the Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care in the new academic year.

Outstanding Learner of the Year was presented to sadly departed student Jane Tillotson, who before her illness took over was studying towards her GCSE in English. Jane was a creative individual who had an obvious talent for creative writing and fully immersed herself into learning, contributing to class and building a rapport with her fellow students. This award is a fitting legacy to an inspirational learner, who will be remembered for her passion and warmth and someone who was inspired by learning.

“We’re exceptionally proud of our adult learners and our winners are fully deserving of their awards. These awards really highlight the part education can play on someone’s life, and shows you’re never too old to get back into education. These stories of courage, inspiration and diversity fully highlight the diverse backgrounds our students come from and how they are empowering themselves to strive towards their dream career,” said Helen Rose, Director of External Relations.