Students Win Lifelong Learning Awards

Two outstanding Walsall College students recently had their hard work and achievements recognised by the Walsall Lifelong Learning Alliance, by being presented with awards at the 13th Walsall Lifelong Learning Awards.

The Walsall Lifelong Learning Awards ceremony took place on the 16th March, with TV Presenter Sue Beardsmore as host and wildlife presenter, Steve Backshall as guest speaker.

The aim of the awards was to recognise individuals who have made an outstanding achievement towards lifelong learning, be it through school, further education, work related courses or hobby pursuits.

During the evening, Achieving Together student, Zaigham Khan won The Black Country Training Group Building Better People Award and ICT student, Jakub Stachula won the Skills for Life Award.

Walsall College Governor, Madeleine Holland also received the Think Walsall Collaboration and Partnership Award on the night, for her outstanding support in helping former Walsall College hairdressing students Lucy Marston and Freya Belgium open their own salon.

Student Journey Manager, Carol Kemp nominated Jakub Stachula for the award, commenting: “In 2007 Jakub started studies in Adult Literacy and ESOL, he was successful and carried on with more literacy and IT studies. Alongside his academic work, he also threw himself into the life of Walsall College community. He quickly got involved in a new student led anti-bullying initiative, going to meetings and helping raise awareness of bullying issues, a point of contact for anyone who was a victim of bullying or who had seen it going on. He’s the Course Representative at college, elected by the other students to feed back their views to the college management. The award recognises Jakub for his commitment to the college and community as a whole, at the same time as he pursues his academic studies”.

Speaking about Zaigham Khan, his lecturer, Terri Bates said: “Zaigham had a bad experience at school, wasn’t great at reading and it meant that he didn’t want to do anything. He had low self esteem, self doubt, and felt stupid. But then he was honest enough to say he couldn’t read and that was why he didn’t want to do anything. His honesty and subsequent willingness to listen resulted in a monumental turnaround. He changed his attitude, applied himself and revealed a bright, warm personality and a great sense of humour. He’s working hard on his reading, making a huge effort all round and gets on well with tutors and fellow students”.

Julie Mayo, Head of Foundation Learning added: “Zaigham has come to the College and enjoyed all the programmes he has been studying for. We have no doubt that he will go on to be successful and has now started a journey of lifelong learning”.