Learner Achievement Awards 2024

Linda Turner, Charlotte Davies, Michelle Gilbert, Gina McGuinness, Rona Maail, Nadiia Torpoka, Tom Allport, Elena-Ramona Zamfir and Cara Giles-Allen All amazing people who have all shown incredible determination to change the direction of their lives, achieving their goals in difficult circumstances, often against all the odds.

They are all winners of this year's Learner Achievement Awards.  You can see all the award winners here, but the following gives a flavour.

Nadiia Torpoka, the winner of our Outstanding Achievement Award, escaped from Ukraine in 2022 with no job, no secure home and limited knowledge of the UK culture and language. After completing a range of English courses at The Vici Language Academy, including specific business and technical language skills, she is now working within the UK Hydro Engineering industry.

Linda Turner pushed out of her comfort zone when she was going through a difficult time to take part in a Creative Wellbeing for Mental Health course and now exhibits and sells her artworks.

Charlotte Davies overcame her shyness and lack of confidence and a number of other challenges when she enrolled on a baby massage course at her local Family Hub. She is now a valued volunteer who supports the Hub staff to set up learning sessions for other parents.

Rona Maail's story is one of resilience in the face of trauma. Fleeing war-torn Afghanistan and starting over in a new country, she is a mother, a student, and a valued community member, dedicated to helping others to navigate a new language and culture.

Gina McGuiness is a well-respected teacher who has taught at Newbury College for over 20 years across a variety of accredited and non-accredited English programmes and levels. Born in the UK to Italian parents, her strengths as a teacher stem from an understanding of what it is like to migrate to the UK, the issues her students face and what motivates them to build a life here.

These annual awards celebrate the success of adult learning in West Berkshire, covering apprenticeships, professional, academic, and vocational courses and learning programmes that support families, communities and health and wellbeing.

We had around 65 nominations and very difficult choices to make when selecting winners for our award categories

Heather Codling, West Berkshire's Executive Member for Children, Education and Young People's Services says, 

"Hearing the stories of these incredible people is extremely moving. It really shows the depth of determination and strength it takes to succeed. They have all gone above and beyond to get there and benefit others along the way. I'm delighted that we're able to recognise their efforts and hope that their stories will inspire others to follow their lead and reach their full potential too.

"Our winners show that, although this may be hard, it can certainly be done. Congratulations to all our LAA winners and everyone who was nominated for their incredible efforts. Once again, the LAA proves that no matter your age, background or qualifications, you're never too old to pick up new skills."

See all our winner's stories at Learner Achievement Awards 2024 - West Berkshire Council