South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 08/10/2014

A celebratory event has taken place to recognise the achievements of 100 adult learners.

The annual event was organised by South Gloucestershire Council’s Community Learning service to celebrate the achievements of residents aged 19 and over studying for English and Mathematics qualifications over the past 12 months.

The Chairman of South Gloucestershire Council, Cllr Howard Gawler, was on hand to present the certificates to around 40 successful learners who were able to attend the awards evening at Emersons Green Village Hall on Monday (October 6).

Cllr Gawler said: “It is great to see so many people taking community learning courses and I would like to congratulate everyone on their achievements. Coming back to learning later in life can be very rewarding and it’s inspiring to meet so many different people who are so enthusiastic about their studies.”

Jason Gardner, 32, from Fishponds, was awarded Overall Learner of the Year. Despite being knocked off his bike the day before he was due to take his English examination, this didn’t dampen his enthusiasm. With his writing arm in a sling he was still able to complete and pass the exam.

The award itself was designed and made by the staff at Orchard Studio in Kingswood, a partner organisation of South Gloucestershire Community Learning. It is awarded in memory of Jo Pearce, who was a volunteer with the service and enthusiastically promoted the benefits of adult learning throughout the district.

Last year 1,000 learners attended courses in South Gloucestershire covering a wide range of subjects, aiming to help people grow in confidence, improve their skills and progress to further learning or employment.

A new prospectus detailing all of our courses is available online at www.southglos.gov.uk/communitylearning