Family learning courses helped me interact with my three year old
A young mother with no formal qualifications has told how adult learningboosted her confidence and helped herinteract better with her children.
Abigail White, 23, from Amersham, did so well onthe courses that she has just beencrownedBuckinghamshire’s joint Adult Learner of the Year in a prestigious ceremony attended by 70 people.
Abigail, whois now taking her first steps towards achieving an English qualification, said she was very surprised to receive the award as she feels she “rarely gets noticed for anything”. Her learning journey started after completing Family Learning courses with Buckinghamshire Adult Learning. “The family learning courses helped build my confidence and helped me to interact with my three year old,” said Abigail who has two young sons.
“I started to become much more involved with him when reading stories and used his toys to bring stories alive. I enjoyed the courses so went on to do a cooking course that also taught me how to involve my children.
“They now help weigh out pasta and cut up carrots. I also learned to use what I have in the cupboard, so I now save money.” Gillian Coombs was the other deserving winner but was unable to attend the ceremony. The ceremony was attended by 70 guests on 18 June at the Judges Lodgings in Aylesbury and included Councillor Zahir Mohammed, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Buckinghamshire County Council.
He said: “It was a fantastic evening and I was delighted to see the great work of our adult learners being celebrated in this way.” Other winners on the night also included Classroom Supporter of the Year Kate De Monte and Tutor of the Year, won jointly by Lesley Ellis and Richard Condon. Also recognised were City & Guilds Medal for Excellence winners Christina Brier, Charlotte Haenlein and floristry tutor Gill Booker. Adult Learners’ Week is a national celebration of the benefits of adult learning. It inspires thousands of people each year to discover how learning can change their lives. For more information on Buckinghamshire Adult Learning courses, visit www.adultlearningbcc.ac.uk or call 01296 382403.