Has your adult life been transformed through learning? Do you know of tutors, trainers and mentors from your community, further education, higher education institutions or workplace that have significantly changed the lives of adults they have taught?
Now is your chance to give back the inspiration tutors and mentors have given you and many others by fielding an entry to the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) Dysgu Cymru awards. This is a good opportunity to recognise the positive effects of work being done in colleges, universities and community venues in Wales. Nominations for learners are also welcome.
Nominated tutors may work in essential skills, vocational qualifications, languages, online through e-tutoring and / or in a voluntary capacity as a mentor. Learners on the other hand, can be pursuing studies at any subject from Archaeology to Welsh.
Nominations are accepted until 5 pm Friday 8th February 2013. Each nominee will receive a certificate and winners will be given awards at a ceremony on Swalec Stadium at Cardiff in May.
Dysgu Cymru is the Welsh arm of NIACE, a non-governmental organisation doing work to promote “more, different and better adult learning…with focus on those who are least skilled, most disadvantaged and whose motivation, economic and social circumstances present barriers to engaging in learning,” according to information on its web site
NIACE has experience working on all fields and sectors of post-16 education and training. Those who have benefited from their projects include adults with basic skills needs, the unemployed, families, black and ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities or learning difficulties, older learners and young adults.
NIACE Dysgu Cymru director Richard Spear said: “The award winners at this special evening provide inspirational stories showing how learning can change lives, enhance communities and open doors to new beginnings.
“The event is an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and the role of adult learning in shaping the future of Wales. A winner can also bring plenty of positive publicity for providers, so I encourage everyone to nominate.”