Learners shine at annual awards ceremony

June 2014 saw WAES, Westminster’s adult college, celebrate the efforts and achievements of its top learners at the ninth annual Learner Awards ceremony.

Hosted in the impressive Tuke Hall in Regent’s University the 2014 WAES Learner Awards evening event was an opportunity for staff at the college – along with friends and family - to honour over 80 learners for their commitment, progress and contribution to life at Westminster Adult Education Service.

Winning learners included Ejigayehu Mulat Ayalew, nominated for the 2014 Lifelong learner award having studied with WAES for over 13 years.  

Ejigayehu’s tutor Jane felt that her determination to succeed for her family made Ejigayehu a worthy winner of the award. “Having been forced to leave school at an early age, Ejigayehu has a passion for learning and is motivated to achieve both for her own satisfaction and career opportunities” Jane said, “but also to set an example to her children and to be able to help them with their own educational development.“

Ejigayehu went on to win the prestigious Learner of the year award, as voted by the panel of WAES senior academic staff.

  
Award winner Ejigayehu with her tutor Jane (l) and the prestigious awards (r) 

Winner of the award for positive contribution to WAES life, Carmelita Ayon was nominated by her tutor Sheela Kirpalani for always being ready to help and support her fellow classmates.

“Her attendance and punctuality is remarkable and she is always willing to participate in class”, Sheela said in her nomination. “Her positive attitude towards the learning of others excelled her at all times. She is always smiling and cheerful.

"I find myself extremely honoured to be receiving such an important award after studying with WAES for just one year." - Carmelita Ayon. 

“Her enthusiasm towards WAES college life is extraordinary and her friendliness with other learners is indeed visible. Her eagerness and positive outlook during her studies warrants a nomination for this award.”

  
Winner Jeffrey Witter receives his award (l) at the Regent's University venue (r)

Grateful for the nomination and the award, Carmelita spoke enthusiastically of her tutor following the evening’s events.

“I find myself extremely honoured to be receiving such an important award after studying with WAES for just one year. I have tried my best to get here and let me tell you that it is not just my sole effort that has brought me here,” Carmelita assure us. “I would like to make a special mention of my tutor, Sheela Kirpalani, who has been my teacher, my adviser and my mentor throughout the year. It is only her who saw the passion in me when I couldn't see it myself.”

  
Carmelita Ayon receives her award (l) and the 2014 WAES Learner award winners (r). 

The awards on the evening were kindly presented by WAES Head of Service, Barbara Holm, and Carolyn Keen, former Lord Mayor of London and deputy chair of the WAES board of Governors.

Full list of 2014 WAES Learner Award winners

Faculty of Creative Arts and Vocational Studies awards

Award for Outstanding Commitment:
Marian McLoughlin

Award for Outstanding Progress and Achievement:
Jeffrey Witter

Faculty of Skills for Life and Community Learning awards

Award for Outstanding Commitment:
Luula Abdi

Award for Outstanding Progress and Achievement:
Chaimae Ensser

Westminster Adult Education Service awards

Award for Positive Contribution to WAES Life:
Carmelita Ayon

Lifelong Learner Award:
Ejigayehu Mulat Ayalew

Learner of the Year Award:
Ejigayehu Mulat Ayalew