Wolves women transform lives with learning
Two women who transformed their lives through Adult Education Wolverhampton have scooped national awards.
Marie Smith and Seong Chua received Festival of Learning awards from the Learning and Work Institute - they celebrated at an event in London with parliamentarians and education experts.
Marie, who received the Learning for Health award, is a survivor of sexual abuse which had a significant impact on her life at school and she left without any qualifications.
Her recovery began when she was referred to Adult Education Wolverhampton’s Like Minds pottery course by her psychologist.
Marie is now studying for a degree in glass and ceramics at Wolverhampton University and aims to become a self-employed artist and work in the community to help others in a similar situation.
Marie added: "Going to the event shows parliamentarians the importance of funding for adult education. It shows how learning transforms lives not only that of the individual studying but the fantastic impact it has on their family and friends too. I really owe my life to education. It gave me my life back."
Seong, who received the English Language Learning award, grew up in a traditional Chinese family in Malaysia and knew little English.
After enrolling on an English language course her confidence has improved, she now volunteers for Adult Education Wolverhampton’s Talk English project, and is a Chinese teacher in Birmingham.
She was invited to personally meet with HRH Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, patron for the Learning and Work Institute, last week.
She said: “I feel very proud to be one of the learners who was invited to a private meet and greet session with Her Royal Highness in Westminster. It was incredible to be amongst such inspirational people; a fabulous and cool experience that will be cherished.”
