STEP Learner of the Month
STEP links:
May 2010
Sally Coaker
Sally Coaker is a mother of three who became aware of STEP courses through the ACE Project. The ACE Project asked us to run courses for parents at Fenton school.
Sally attended a two day Food Safety Level 2 course held at the School.
Although Sally has dyslexia which means she has limitations with reading and writing she passed the course with flying colours due to additional resources and adult support being provided through STEP and ACE working in partnership.
Sally is inspirational, and makes a big impact at group sessions. She has now enrolled onto a Sugar Craft course showing her commitment to Life Long Learning.
Hayley, ACE Project Officer, was delighted to say:
we are all really pleased that she has been chosen as learner of the month. Well done Sally!
April 2010
Eileen Algate
Eileen joined the newly appointed fitness classes at Amroth community hall in the autumn term and returned in the spring. Tutor, Sam, was delighted to nominate Eileen saying:
she is 89yrs young and would put a lot of young people to shame, she never shies from trying new things; whether trying Swiss ball or star jumps she is inspiring.
March 2010
Karma Woodward
The STEP sugar craft tutor nominated Karma as she continues to amaze. Living with deteriorating health for many years she finds great pleasure and has gained tremendous self esteem from attending the sugar craft classes held locally.
Karma has a real flair for the craft and has since made many cakes for family and friends. These photographs are just two examples of the high standard of work that she has achieved.
This is not the first award that Karma has received as she has previously received the Pembrokeshire College Adult Learner of the Year Award. This was presented at the Graduation Ceremony at St Davids Cathedral.
Karma responded to her nomination saying:
Since 2006 I have taken many courses and gained qualifications through Adult Learning. I was inspired mostly by Sugar Craft as I found it relaxing and therapeutic and I have been amazed at what can be produced. I have even sold my first cake. To all who did not have a chance in their younger days I say join STEP and go forward in your life, I did and look at what I have achieved. The praise and encouragement you get from the STEP Team is amazing. So I would advise everyone to TAKE THAT STEP, AND GO FURTHER.
February 2010
Debbie Lewis-Davies
Debbie is currently attending her seventh Sugar Craft class, finding a passion that has turned into more than a hobby.
She was nominated by her Sugar Craft tutor to whom Debbie is always sending emails with pictures of new ideas for cakes.
At Christmas time she made and decorated cakes to sell at her local Farmers' Market, resulting in more orders, and the chance of building up a cottage industry.
Debbie is very involved with the YFC movement through her two daughters having made the costumes for a play which won at the Royal Welsh Show. Debbie has been a health visitor and midwife, as well as part of the RAF support team during Desert Storm in 2001 - a very caring and busy lady!
Sugar Craft is one of the many courses that she has undertaken in recent years, which varies to include Desk Top Publishing.
January 2010
Jean Thomas
Jean is a delightful and thoughtful lady who has brought together members of Marloes community to enjoy learning new skills. A total of ten courses have been arranged in three communities all thanks to Jean, including silk painting at Marloes and watercolour courses at Dale.
Jean buys various items for silk painting which she then sells on to learners. She knits hats for chemotherapy patients at Withybush Hospital and is a tireless fundraiser for the Parkinson's Society, selling the hand made books she makes on her course amongst other things.
Jean attended a ‘Knitting Circle’ at the College during Adult Learners Week 2009, where she personally helped those who could not knit. This was a fun and interesting event with the work created being sent to a Leper colony as she has links with a group in India.
One of the tutors commented
I am full of admiration for Jean, who, despite ill health is tireless in her efforts to organise and inspire so many people. She thinks of everything and has all information required at her fingertips. She has certainly made it very easy and enjoyable for me to teach on the STEP program - she even makes sure we have excellent biscuits!
Three members of the STEP Team travelled to Cardiff on the sunny afternoon of May 13 to witness Jean receiving her NIACE Adult Learner Award. Jean has won the accolade of Pembrokeshire Learner of the Year.
They celebrated at a ceremony at the Coal Exchange, Cardiff Bay. Jean is pictured being presented with her certificate by Clare Southard, West Wales Regional Co-Ordinator, NIACE Dysgu Cymru.
