Thurrock Learning Partnership

Adult Learners’ Week Regional Awards Ceremony

Wednesday 23 May 2007

Thurrock Learning Partnership was delighted to host the NIACE East of England Adult Learners’ Week Regional Awards Ceremony.

This was the first time the event had been held in Thurrock and we were delighted when Martina Cole, best selling author from Thurrock, agreed to be our celebrity guest.  All of Martina’s books have been in the best selling lists.  Last year her book “Close” was the best selling hardback and this year it went straight into No. 1 in the best selling list when it came out in paperback.

We had a fantastic turnout with some 160 people attending from across the region and the event received accolades galore from all who attended.  The fact that our planned venue, Orsett Hall, burnt down just over a week before the event, and we had somewhat of a manic time re-arranging everything, did not deter us or prevent it from being a thoroughly enjoyable and inspirational event.

Martina Cole was wonderful with all our winners and very generous with her time and the winners were thrilled with the photographs taken of them receiving their awards from her.

Please click on the thumbnail photos below for a larger image.

	Gemma Smith from Thurrock Gemma gave an inspirational speech on how much it had meant to her to win an award last year.
	Colleen and Nicola from Thurrock They have successfully set up their own business after building up their skills and confidence at Thurrock Adult Community College.
	Nesisa came to England a year ago After attending our BBC RaW Story Telling Festival in January took her courage in her hands and joined an ESOL class at Thurrock Adult Community College, now speaks very good English and is keen to carry on learning.  Looking back now, she finds it hard to believe that she nearly did not go to her first class she was so scared.
	Sarah Williams Sarah has continuously studied whilst working full-time and has built her skills up to the level where she has achieved a Foundation Degree in E-Skills.  What made her a special student at Thurrock & Basildon College was the way she worked with other students to encourage them and planned activities so that the class became a real community.

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