An Inspirational Night At The Suffolk Adult Learners' Awards

The Suffolk Adult Learners' Awards took place last Thursday at Ipswich's iconic Portman Road Stadium, shining a spotlight on the transformative power of education and the inspirational stories of learners and volunteers.

Each year the awards recognise the outstanding contributions and achievements of individuals who, through learning, have transformed their lives and the lives of those around them. We are delighted to announce that this year our ICM family was highly commended with 12 nominees across 8 categories and 5 winners on the night!

Congratulations to Alicija, winner of the Achievement in Essential Skills Award; Manuel and Altina, winners of the Learning for Better Health and Wellbeing Award; Eric, winner of the Shared Futures Award in Adult Learning; Bhushan, runner up of the Shared Futures Award in Adult Learning; Hiba, runner up of the Adult Learner of the Year Award; our Integration Team, winners of the Community Project in Adult Learning Award, and all of our nominees!

Anjali, our Integration Team Manager says:

"I am extremely proud of everyone and very happy for each one of them who received the recognition. They deserved it."

 Alicija: Gaining essential skills

As the winner of the Achievement in Essential Skills Award, Alicija's growth cannot be understated. She is an exceptionally diligent learner; completing work to a high standard, applying energy and enthusiasm to all tasks, and reflecting on every piece of verbal or written feedback. Her commitment and hard-work are reflected in her excellent examination result, including a 100% score in the Entry 3 Speaking and Listening examination last year.

The impact of learning English has been huge for Alicija. Previously she used her husband or her children to speak on her behalf at medical appointments. Now, she represents herself.

While she is determined to improve her own life, Alicija also wants to use her skills to help others. She helps friends with translations, assists with interpreting, and as a volunteer in our ESOL classes she is incredibly empathetic and understanding of those beginning their own learning journey.

Alicia plans to continue learning English to the highest level possible and hopes to go to college. Learning English is an uphill battle for anyone who migrates to the UK with little or no language skills, however Alicia has achieved a huge amount in such a short amount of time and we believe that if anyone can achieve their dream, she can!

Manuel and Altina: Learning for better health

Winners of the Learning for Better Health and Wellbeing Award, Manuel and Altina were recognised for using their learning opportunities to improve their engagements with health services.

Both facing significant medical challenges, learning English became extremely important for them to be able to communicate with various medical specialists, and to understand their health conditions, prognosis and treatment options.

Since first joining us in 2019 Manuel has attended a wide range of our classes, taking up every opportunity to learn English. Galvanised by his success he subsequently encouraged his wife Altina to join our classes as well. Altina wanted to improve her English so that she can get a job that could provide financially for the family through their health difficulties. For Manuel however attending the classes became more important than just learning English, they offered a space where he could focus on something positive and take a break from all his health worries.

Through their hard work and perseverance they are both now more confident speaking English in shops, with the GP, in hospital, and at their daughter’s school.

We're pleased to hear Manuel now says that Ipswich has become home and a place where they both feel safe and we're wishing them both the best for the future.

Eric: Creating a Positive Impact

The Shared Futures Award in Adult Learning is a chance to shine a light on the hard work, resilience, and positive impact of individuals who have embraced learning - all things that Eric exemplifies.

Now part of the ICM family for almost a decade, Eric started his journey with us as a learner at a low point in his life. He had been forced to leave work due to ill health and he became lonely, isolated and depressed. With his self-esteem and confidence at rock bottom he took the huge step of registering for an ESOL course with ICM. Following up that leap of faith with patience, determination and hard work, Eric radically improved his English skills, but more importantly his confidence skyrocketed.

Eric became an ICM volunteer and Community Champion in 2018 and since then he has touched countless lives. He has supported learners in our classrooms, translated documents from the local authority, health and education bodies, interpreted for people during appointments at the hospital, job centre, medical practice and benefit office, and even acted as a representative of ICM and the local Polish community in formal discussion with the High Sheriff of Suffolk.

Looking back, at his experiences Eric says:

"I can see how much learning has changed my life. Learning English gave me independence, confidence, and new opportunities. More importantly, it gave me the ability to support others and make a positive contribution to my community."

Eric’s learning journey has had a significant impact on him, but the way he has applied this learning in a voluntary and selfless capacity has made a significant positive impact on so many lives. We couldn't be more proud to have him in the ICM family.

I-Connect 2: A project build by community

Amongst our winners stood our Integration Team who were honoured to be awarded the Community Project in Adult Learning Award for I-Connect 2 - a 4 year project funded by the National Lottery.

The project initially grew out of listening to the real needs of the local community, responding to the inequalities they faced. We helped migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers integrate and make a positive contribution to their own lives and to their communities; expanding their social networks, developing confidence and realising their potential.

The conduit for this engagement was English classes, freely available to all.

Across the projects duration these classes were attended by over 750 learners representing 70 nationalities. We couldn't be more proud of all that they achieved, with 95% progressing onto further learning, volunteering or employment, 94 % reporting a general increase in confidence and their ability to make decisions taking control of their lives, and 87% saying they felt more engaged with their community.

The hard work of our team and volunteers, the support and input of our community, and the dedication of our learners have shown what a difference true access to education can achieve in a community.

Why these awards matter

The Suffolk Adult Learners' Awards highlight the incredible power of education to transform lives. Their stories inspire us, demonstrate the profound impact that community support can have, and motivate us all to keep learning throughout our lives.

We couldn't have said it better than Eric:

"Learning can be difficult, especially when you face obstacles in life, but it is never too late to learn, grow, and make a difference. Every step forward matters."