Shamim Akter has the confidence to pursue her dream of being a nurse thanks to Idea Store Learning
Overcoming lack of self-confidence to battling with numeracy and literacy skills, the winners of this year’s Idea Store Learning Awards didn’t let anything stand in their way to achieve success.
Idea Store Learning, run by Tower Hamlets Council, offers more than 900 courses in a variety of subjects including creative and performing arts, IT, maths, languages, music, health and wellbeing.
You can opt to learn virtually from the comfort of your own home or in person at venues across the borough.
Adult learners and tutors who went the extra mile were honoured at an awards ceremony held at the Town Hall on 12 July.
The awards were presented by Cllr Maium Talukdar, deputy mayor and Cabinet Member for Youth, Education and Lifelong Learning.
Cllr Talukdar said:
“It is a privilege to be able to celebrate the achievements of our adult learners at Idea Store Learning.
“Many of them have faced challenges in their journey to further their education but have remained determined to complete their studies.”
Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman said:
“I cannot overstate how important education and access to good quality education is to improving your life.
“Idea Store Learning provides a platform for adult learners to widen their horizons and learn skills for life. We have worked hard to provide more than 900 courses to meet the needs of our residents.”
Shamim Akter and Jane Roberts received the awards for Inspirational Learners of 2024.
When Shamim enrolled in a maths course at Idea Store Whitechapel in 2020, she had very poor literacy and numeracy skills.
Determined to improve her maths and English skills so she can enter the job market, she successfully completed a 10-week intensive maths course, ICT qualification and year long English course.
Shamim now aspires to be a nurse and has used her newfound skills to start a part time bakery business whilst she pursues her dream of working for the NHS.
Shamim said:
“I never thought I could improve my English and maths skills to be able to pursue my dream of becoming a nurse. But with hard work and determination I now have the foundation skills to apply for a nursing qualification.
“I have really enjoyed my classes with Idea Store Learning and can’t thank the tutors enough for believing in me and pushing me to progress through the different levels. Their encouragement has made me believe in myself and is motivating me to continue with my studies.”
Jane was already a skilled artist when she decided to take up a drawing class with Idea Store Learning.
She had come to a point in career where she felt stuck and demotivated.
Through the classes and assignments, Jane was able to spark her enthusiasm for art and overcome past self confidence issues.
Jane is now working as a confident artist in her own right and continues to push herself with ambitious projects.
She is organising exhibitions in her local community and developing a book of her work.
Jane’s tutor, Mark Batley said:
“The remarkable thing that I have seen in Jane is her journey to become more self-assured, reconnecting with her artistry after a period of feeling uninspired and isolated. She undertook every task in class seriously, explored creative possibilities and engaged in deep and additional research.
He added: “Jane often mentioned that she had some negative experiences when she was at art school that affected her deeply and hindered any confidence in her progress.
“Attending Idea Store Learning classes have allowed her to see these experiences in a different light and provided a strong counter-balanced to some of the dismissive attitudes and ‘put-downs’ she encountered previously at art school.”
There were also awards for Inspirational Tutors of the Year, which were won by:
- Sylvia Apperley - Upholstery, Soft furnishing, Bead craft and Woodwork tutor
Sylvia has taken great pride working in partnership with Tower Project, teaching students with learning difficulties and disabilities to make things in woodwork and bead craft.
Over the past few years, the learners have produced outstanding, colourful and imaginative work which has been displayed at The Shadwell Centre.
In 2002, Sylvia was asked to refurbish the Speaker’s ceremonial chair. She undertook the project and completed the meticulous repairs by March 2023. The chair is now on display in its full glory at the Town Hall.
Rachel’s passion and dedication for teaching was highlighted in her nomination as she consistently goes above and beyond to create engaging and relevant lessons that resonate with her students and reflect the world around us.
Despite the demands of her job and her own personal challenges, Rachel extends a helping hand to her students in times of need.
When one of her student’s was recovering from surgery and had just moved into a new flat, she made sure there was basic furniture to help them recover and continue with their studies, through her own personal contacts.
The Inspirational Support Team/Individual of the Year went to:
- Business Support Transaction Team for providing an excellent support service by processing orders and ensuring they are delivered on time and in the correct locations in a very friendly manner.
Find out more about Idea Store Learning here
Posted on Wednesday 17th July 2024