ADULT students who often had to beat huge odds to continue their education were recognised at an awards night at Bishop Auckland College.
Many of the nominees at the Adult Learners Awards Ceremony on Thursday had worked hard to succeed while working, bringing up children or tackling other challenges.
Guest speaker George Courtney, a former World Cup referee and ex-headteacher, said: "As an adult learner myself, I am constantly impressed by the positive outlook of fellow adult students, who revel in overcoming the many challenges and hurdles that have faced them in adulthood.
"As a result, they have created rewarding opportunities both in the workplace and in their leisure activities."
The individual winner of the event was interior design student Gemma Louise Archer, a mother-of-two from Shildon who was nominated for the prize by her lecturer, Leesa Henderson.
Mrs Henderson said: "Despite lots of personal problems, including bereavement, illness and housing problems, Gemma Louise continued with her studies so she would eventually be qualified to help her husband in a building business.
"She is an enthusiastic and determined young woman who always demonstrates a high level of skill and commitment."
The overall group winners were Glenholme Learners, based at Glenholme Youth Centre, Crook.
Tracy Robson, Gemma Crosby, Lisa Hall, Cherie Nixon, Debra Williams, Faye Siddle, Evelyn Swinbank, Tracy Brown, Christine Harle, Rose Scaife and Nigel Connah studied an NCFE Certificate in Early Years Practice level two.
As part of their studies, the group has been working in local childcare settings, supporting their community while developing their skills. Originally introduced to learning via the Sure Start programme, they remain committed to their goal - to gain employment in the childcare industry.
They were also presented with a certificate by the National Institute for Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) in London this week.
Joanna Tait, the college's principal and chief executive, said: "To celebrate our adult learners' achievements is a great pleasure, as we all know and empathise with their struggle to overcome lots of difficulties and problems to achieve.
"Well done to all adult learners."
Individual Nominees
Art and design, Jennifer Smith; beauty, Emma Nilson; catering, William Kirkbride; childcare, Julian Turner, Julie Wilkes, Tracy Robson and Andrea Loades; computing, Rebecca Cousins, Marion Nicholson, Beryl Marley and John Young; distance learning, Laurelle Main: foundation degree - early childhood studies, Beverly Lynn; hairdressing, Elaine Lowes, Fiona Jones, Deborah Carr, Dionne Banks; holistic Therapies, Marie Butterfield, Sarah McKie, Alison Medd and Cherie Nixon; interior design, Gemma Louise Archer; learner support, Ellen Firby, Valerie Rowe, Michelle Donoghue, Silvana Sinclair, Clare Martin and Andrew Amos; open access, Jodie Smith; sport and fitness Therapy, Pat Gowland.
Nominated Groups
CACHE Certificate in childcare and education group level two, Glenholme Learners Group, Crook; computing for the terrified group, Crook; sports and fitness therapies group level three; WAPAF mentor group, Sure Start Teesdale; foundation degree group assisting learning; foundation degree group early childhood studies and practice; CACHE foundation group in childcare group level one; Hollyhill Family Centre Group, Shildon; hairdressing evenings group level one.
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