NEWS
On Friday 7th July WM College celebrated its annual Learner Awards, showcasing the amazing achievements of learners and staff during the current academic year. The event as always was a heart-warming occasion, packed with inspirational stories from the WM College community about how their lives have been improved through learning.
The College was delighted to welcome special guest Mayor of Camden, Councillor Nazma Rahman who opened proceedings with an inspiring message retelling her experience of studying at WM College and how adult education changes lives.
Councillor Nazma Rahman said:
“My goal is to inspire my community and remind them that there are no age limits, if you set yourself targets you will achieve them with the right support. WM College provides that support, all you have to do is ask for it.
Studying as an adult can be hard with the busy lives we lead, but education is the key to opening your future. At WM College there is such a vast array of courses to choose from and any of them will provide you with skills for life, whether that’s industry skills or social skills. You’ll build your confidence, make new friends and who knows where it will take you. The team here are extremely inclusive and can even support with financial costs of your education.
My advice is always aim higher, don’t underestimate yourselves. I studied as an adult, and it’s the best thing I did for myself. Don’t give up, you can reach your goals regardless of the obstacles that may be in your way and WM College will help ensure that happens.”
We also heard moving stories from ‘How WM College Changed My Life’ nominations. Runner-up Iryna Kovalchuk told her experience of fleeing war-stricken Ukraine and how enrolling on an ESOL course at WM College helped her build confidence, make friends, and focus on something for herself. She said, “WM College didn’t change my life, it brought me back to life.”
The winner of ‘How WM Changed My Life Awards, Fatima Abdulkadir moved the audience with her story of developing confidence and learning to love herself through education.
Here is Fatma’s story:
“WM College has had a big impact on me in so many ways, especially on my emotional, mental, and physical health. It opened a new world, and it helped me to escape my abusive marriage.
Despite the challenges, I never quit college. I stayed and continued to study. That’s when I met my tutor, Carol, who encouraged me not to give up. I had no self-esteem or confidence in myself, and I couldn’t have made it without the help of all the staff at Working Men’s College. The College was a safe place for me.
Through studying English Functional Skills, I was able to improve my skills and also start journaling, which helped me to express myself. I gained confidence and self-esteem, and slowly I’m coming out from my old self. I’ve made friends here and I’ve learnt things I never knew. I even started to love myself, I didn’t think that was possible.
One thing I have learnt and realised in life and from studying at WM College is that the people you keep around you are important – hold on to the ones that encourage and push you to be a better person and motivate you to believe in yourself. So, I want to say thank you to all the people I’ve met at WM College. Without this college, I would not be who I am today. I have come a long way from where I was seven years ago. “
Congratulations to all our runners-up and winners, we’re proud of every single one of you!
Winners and Runners Up
How WM College Changed My Life Award
Winner
Fatima Abdulkadir
Runners up
Amanda Smyth
Suzi Warren
Iryna Kovalchuk
Studentship Awards
Winner: Polina Honchar
Runner up: Fateha Deha
Partnership Award: Chadswell Healthy Living Centre
Lowes Dickinson Award: Full list can be found here
If you would like to make a difference to your life, why not enrol on a course today. Enrol before 9 September 2023 and enjoy a 10% early enrolment discount or join us at our next Open Event – Saturday 9 September 11am – 4pm.
