Inspirational stories and incredible achievements: the council hosts third Adult Community Learning Awards

The incredible achievements of residents and the council’s delivery partners were celebrated at the third Adult Community Learning Awards. The ceremony took place at Woolwich Town Hall on Friday 4 July. 

Each of the council’s nine adult learning delivery partners were invited to nominate their Learner of the Year to celebrate achievement and improvement, and their Tutor of the Year, recognising excellence and inspiring teaching. 

Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member Inclusive Economy, Business, Skills and Greenwich Supports opened proceedings and joined the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Councillor Linda Bird, in presenting winners with their certificates.  

There were many inspirational stories shared, including that of Marc Chiddicks and Elizabeth Briscoe. Marc started off as a learner with Flower Skills – which specialises in training and developing people in the construction industry – and has gone on to become their Tutor of the Year. Elizabeth was awarded Learner of the Year after completing Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency’s creative writing course and has now penned a poignant biography for her aunt who came to the UK as part of the Windrush Generation.  

Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business and Skills said: “The ceremony was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the successes of individual learners and tutors, as well as recognising the huge contribution that adult community learning makes to Royal Greenwich. High-quality adult learning provision allows people to gain valuable skills and qualifications, build their confidence, improve wellbeing and secure good jobs. It plays a crucial part in building a more inclusive ceremony.” 

The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich Councillor Linda Bird said: “As a former teacher, it was a particular honour to present learners and tutors with their certificates and hear how learning has enriched their lives. Learning is a lifelong journey and the Adult Community Learning Awards are a reminder of how it is never too late to learn something new.”

The council is working in partnership with the Greater London Authority, using the funding provided by the Mayor of London, to provide life-changing educational opportunities to local residents. Recent figures released by the City Hall show that adult learning is delivering powerful economic and social outcomes for learners across the capital. Over 77,000 London learners moved into new jobs, progressed at work or continued onto further study. Those in work saw a 9 per cent rise in pay, while 94 per cent of people who completed adult learning reported improvements to their wellbeing and confidence.   

Everyone at the ceremony enjoyed food provided by Best of Royal Greenwich Business Award winners, Roon’s Catering, a Somali food outlet based in Woolwich town centre. Head over to our gallery to see photos from the event.

For more information about adult learning and the courses available, please visit greenwichlearns.org.uk. Many courses are free to Royal Greenwich residents.  

Learners of the Year

Adam Vaughan 
Nominated by Flower Skills 

Ayse Canatar  
Nominated by Community Systems 

Carmen Jaskulke 
Nominated by Global Solution Services 

Elizabeth Briscoe   
Nominated by Greenwich Cooperative Development Agency 

J. Archer  
Nominated by Queercircle

Janine Wakelam 
Nominated by Unity Works 

Katherine Hodder 
Nominated by London South East Colleges 

Thriyasha Kodi 
Nominated by Training Place of Excellence 

Tobi Onikoyi 
Nominated by Uganda Community Relief Association  

Tutors of the Year  

Chanel England 
Nominated by Global Solution Services 

Chrissy Turay  
Nominated by Uganda Community Relief Association 

Jennifer Brown 
Nominated by Unity Works 

Juliana Ogechi Onyenani 
Nominated by Community Systems 

Marc Chiddicks 
Nominated by Flower Skills 

Mary Ofili 
Nominated by Training Place of Excellence 

Remi Graves 
Nominated by Queercircle 

Sara Whale 
Nominated by London South East Colleges 

Titilope Durojaiye 
Nominated by Greenwich Cooperative Development Agency 

Congratulations to everyone who won!