A NIACE chance for adult learners

THE search is on to find the country’s most inspiring adult learners.

Nominations are open for the 2010 Adult Learners’ Week Awards — whose previous winners include mother-of-three Marie McNamara, from Limeside.

Marie found herself in a dead-end job and an abusive relationship after leaving school without any qualifications.

But she turned her life around after enrolling on an adult literacy course at Oldham College before training to be a nurse.

Every year, NIACE (National Institute of Award by Adult Continuing Education) receives more than 1,000 nominations from colleges, businesses, adult education courses, museums and libraries

This year there are a number of categories — with shorter nomination forms.

Campaigns officer Kamy Basra said: “Every year we receive nominations about inspirational and outstanding adult learners who have transformed their lives through learning.

“The awards celebrate their remarkable achievements, giving them the recognition they deserve.

“An Adult Learners’ Week Award winner can be a powerful advocate and an inspirational role model, encouraging thousands of others to take up learning.

“So, if you know of an outstanding adult learner, don’t hesitate — nominate.”

The closing date for nominations is January 29, 2010, 5pm.

For more information, visit www.alw.org.uk/nominate, e-mail alw@niace.org.uk  or phone on 0116-204 4200.