Winners include mum of four, who speaks English as her fourth language and works full time as well as studying
17 students from Eastern Education Group (EEG) received adult learner accolades during an annual awards ceremony.
The occasion took place at the University Professional Development Centre (UPDC) on Western Way in Bury St Edmunds.
This was the fourth year running EEG has honoured inspirational adult students for their efforts throughout the last 12 months.
Currently, EEG supports around 7000 adult learners at centres based in Bury, Chatteris, Haverhill, Ipswich Soham, Sudbury and Thetford.
Award categories were for ambition, confidence, ownership, resilience and respect.
All winners received a certificate and a £20.00 Amazon voucher.
During the ceremony, Dr Nikos Savvas, CEO of Eastern Education Group praised all winners for their efforts. He said: “Learning can change and transform lives. No matter who you are – it’s never too late. Your journey has been incredible. One of sacrifice, change and transformation. I’m extremely proud of you.”
During the evening, Deborah Barton, assistant principal for adult learning of EEG and Laraine Moody, principal of UPDC also praised all students.
Winners included 43-year-old Charlene Johnson from Culford. Charlene had a hard time at school but came back to college, had a better educational experience at EEG and was able to gain two HGV licences. She just secured a job as a lorry driver.
(Charlene was supported by EEG, West Suffolk Council and the UK shared prosperity fund via a project called TalentForge).
Charlene won a prize in the ‘confidence’ category.
Another winner was Agnieska Ambroz, 47, from Newmarket who won an award for ambition. Agnieska has studied English and maths to follow her dream of becoming an accountant.
The mum of four, speaks English as her fourth language and works full time as a positive specialist behaviourist. m/f
She said: “I love my time (at the college). I want to keep coming back and learn a GCSE (in the future). Everyone has given me more confidence. It’s amazing to be here (and win this award). It’s the first time I’ve won an award. I’m so proud of myself.”
Kassi Ekponza, 59, from Colchester has studied English, maths and accounting with EEG. Kassi won a respect award and said: “I started in Sudbury learning English as I come from a French speaking country. I took my GCSE (in English) and I’ll find out how I get on in August. I’m optimistic (of passing). Fingers crossed. I’ve enjoyed my time at the college. Both my sons have come here. It’s very nice. Everyone is lovely. People are always there for me. It means a lot (to win an award).”
And Trish Mooney, 55, from Barningham studied floristry. Trish has overcome a number of health issues. She worked for the NHS for a number of years and now she has a dream of opening up a small floristry business. Trish said: “It was a while since I had been in education. I’ve always wanted to be a florist and this seemed like the right opportunity. I love learning. I’d say to others that life is too short – so follow your dreams.
On winning a confidence award Trish continued: “The last couple of years have been exceptionally tough. I’ve lost lots of confidence so this award has given me such a boost I can’t describe it.”
Heidi Proctor is the Head of Personal and Professional Learning for EEG in Bury and she helped organise the events. Heidi said: “It’s important to recognise the hard work of these students. Seeing the tears of joy in the eyes of some of the students made me well up. If people are thinking about adult learning then my message to them is don’t be scared, come along and chat to us – and next year it might be you on the stage winning an award.”
List of winners:
Agnieska Ambroz from Newmarket won an award for ambition.
Olivia Burroughes from Great Waldingfield won an award for resilience.
Ivan Dzhurov from Bury St Edmunds won an award for ambition
Kassi Ekponza from Colchester won an award for respect.
Elodie Papillion from Bury St Edmunds won an award for confidence.
Anushree Kamble from Newmarket won an award for ownership.
Charlene Johnson from Culford won an award for ambition.
Ketty Montout from Brandon won an award for resilience.
Patricia Mooney from Barningham won an award for confidence.
Miranda Rogers from Sutton won an award for ambition.
Zee Tonkin from Elmswell won an award for ambition.
Tamerra McRitchie from Bury St Edmunds won an award for ambition.
Tetiana and Oleh Khomych from Mildenhall won an award for ownership.
Olena Bilko from Bury St Edmunds, Yevhen Naumenko from Haverhill and Roman Holovach from Bury St Edmunds also won awards for ownership.
