Single parents, elderly people and those who've learnt English as a second language have had their achievements recognised as Learners of the Year. Borough residents are being recognised for their accomplishments in a number of different categories, including: Learning at Work; Learning Towards Employment; Learner aged 55 plus; Vocational Learning; Community Learner; Second Language Learner. There is also a prize for the Group Learner of the Year. The winners, who were nominated by their tutors and employers, will receive money towards further courses or educational supplies generously sponsored by a number of members of the Local Strategic Partnership, including educational establishments and Ealing Council.

The MP Stephen Pound, spoke at the Awards Ceremony about his own educational journey - where he left school at 15 to join the navy and returned to education as an adult learner.

Ealing's Learners of the Year

Vocational Learning: Helen Shirley, Teacher of ESOL.

Helen has a long term illness and was bedridden by the physical problems of taking a demanding course. Her teaching skills have improved and she has turned herself into a very confident and highly effective teacher. She was nominated by her tutor.

Learning at Work: Julie Mgbado

61 year old Julie works at Clayponds Hospital in Ealing. She used to work as a pastry chef at the BBC Television Centre but decided to take up a career as a carer. She took on an NVQ course to develop her skills. Julie also cared for her terminally ill husband whilst studying. She was nominated by her tutor.

Learner aged 55 +: Les Bradshaw

86 year old Les has persevered at his Gentle Exercise Programme at Uxbridge College despite suffering from recurring heart problems, arthritis and diabetes - along with swollen legs and ankles. He always offers his help and produces notices using the skills he learnt on a recent computer course. He was nominated by his tutor.

Second Language Learner: Paramjit Thind

Paramjit is a presenter and news reader on Southall's Desi Radio. She completed a Radio Training Course at the Panjabi Centre in Southall and learnt English along the way. She's also studying English at Uxbridge College. She was nominated by her mentor.

Community Learner: Chhindo Kaur

Chhindo presents spiritual programmes regularly on Southall's Desi Radio. She also works as a volunteer. The single parent, learnt skills in radio presentation and improved her English at the same time. It took three attempts before Chhindo completed the course successfully - she left twice due to a lack of confidence. She was nominated by her mentor.

Learning Towards Employment: Meena Sharma

A single mother of two, Meena works part time at the Southall and West London College teaching ESOL. She went back to learning when both her children were in full time education. She made many new friends on the course and loves teaching. She was nominated by her tutor.

Group Learners: The Evergreen Art Group The group, based at Evergreen Court in Ealing consists of retired people from the local community. The over 60s attend Drawing and Painting classes and most started as absolute beginners. They've maintained a solid core of members creating an enjoyable social atmosphere as they learn. They were nominated by their tutor.

June 14, 2005