LORD MAYOR RECOGNISES WAES STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

Westminster City Council’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Carolyn Keen, has praised students of Westminster Adult Education Services’ (WAES) for their remarkable achievements in learning at an awards ceremony at Council House on Monday, 21 May 2007.

The awards were presented to the students as part of the annual Adult Learners’ Week celebration and recognise those students who have realised life-long dreams and transformed their lives through learning.

Sahra Ali is just one of the students who received an award on Monday night. Having only arrived from Somalia three years ago, Sahra joined English classes at WAES in September 2006. With no opportunity to attend school in Somalia, this was the first class that Sahra had attended. Sahra has now learnt to say and write alphabet letters and read short familiar words and phrases.

Sahra’s tutor Ruth Lennard said: ‘Sahra has worked extremely hard and made excellent progress as an ESOL Basic Literacy Learner. For beginner students with little English, trying to listen and concentrate in class is extremely tiring and requires a lot of stamina. Sahra has shown a great deal of determination and should be congratulated’.

Donald Lush, Director of Student Support for WAES said: ‘Every person who received an award has a great story to tell. We want everyone, whatever their age or background, to have the opportunity to succeed’.

-ENDS-

Date: 22 May 2007

Enquiries: Irene Watt 020 7641 7848

Editor’s Notes

1. Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES) is one of the most diverse and dynamic communities in Britain. WAES reflects that diversity and dynamism. We are one of the largest adult education providers in the country.
2. The service is part of the education department of the City of Westminster. It is funded by the London Central Learning and Skills Council. Our board of governors includes student representatives, elected members of the city council and members from the community and local organisations.
3. We have strong roots in the community, running courses where they are needed through partnerships with the local authority and other community and education bodies.
4. To ensure the quality of our courses and support for students, WAES is inspected by the Adult Learning Inspectorate. On courses leading to national qualifications, we must also meet the high standards required by examination bodies.