Loveto Learnwith Idea Store

5. Amina 6. Graham 7. Ina 8. Jafrine 9. Janet 10. Jasmin11. Joanna 12. Katie13. Katy 14. Kerry 15. Lalla16. Laurie 17. Mandy

Adult Learners’ Week 2015 Nominees

18. Nataliya 19. Piotr20. Quratulain 21. Raquel 22. Ravindra 23. Riccardo 24. Sharon 25. Shumon 26. Stephen27. Valentina 28. Learner Newsletter Project29. Learner Volunteer Project30. Chair Based Yoga Project

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ALW Nominees 2014

Idea Store Learning provides a range of courses across Tower Hamlets. This year we are on track to achieve over 10,000 enrolments on around 900 programmes.

Learning has the power to transform lives by helping people to achieve their ambitions whether personal, family or for employment reasons.

It provides people with rich and diverse experiences that change lives and transform communities.

Our tutors are experts in their fields and together we work to make every learner’s journey an exciting and fulfilling one. Many of our tutors delivering these courses continue to work in their professions and bring with them up-to-date skills and knowledge.

Many of the programmes on offer are within the Idea Stores themselves. This unique partnership provides learners with an opportunity to access an extensive range of free resources, from online learning material to books and free activities to inspire them.

Our learners rate our service as outstanding and tell us that their experience of learning with us is excellent.

We are proud of all that our learners achieve and we hope thatthe learners you meet here will inspire you to join our communityof learning.

Judith St JohnHead of Idea Store Learning

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Introduction

Adult Learners’ Week is a national celebration of lifelong learning, including the Adult Learners’ Week awards. This year Idea Store Learning was able to nominate 23 learners whose outstanding achievements their tutors wanted to celebrate.

All these learners have achieved something special and Idea Store Learning invites you to celebrate with us.

The learners in this little book will inspire you. Their commitment to learning and contribution to the community of learning is memorable. Their stories show how learning can really transform lives. We hope by reading this booklet you will see why Adult Education is such an exciting and transforming place to be.

Idea Store Learning is privileged to have such learners and tutors.

Information about courses and events can be found atwww.ideastore.co.uk

Simon LeveauxDeputy Head of Idea Store Learning

Adult Learners’ Week

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“Have you read about the weather bomb in the newspaper and did you know about Lewis Hamilton...?”. I can always rely on Amina to keep up to date with the news and bring interesting and current issues into the class! Amina engages in life around her and takes every opportunity to improve her language skills.

Amina hopes to become a teaching assistant. She passed her Level 1 Speaking and Listening exam in February and is now studying towards a Level 1 Reading and Writing exam. She enjoys sending WhatsApp messages in English to her family and enjoys following her children’s progress at school. Amina is lively, positive and brings a sharp sense of humour to the class. She has grown in confidence and holds her own in class discussions. She is a fantastic confident female role model.

Amina says:“I have done many courses before like Family Learning, Strengthening Families and Skillsmatch. I have also done three ESOL courses. I chose these courses because they made me confident and made me open my mind and communicate with people from diverse cultures. I chose to do ESOL courses because I want to speak English fluently. Now I know how to book an appointment with the doctor, school teacher and community centre independently. I want to do more learning because I’d like to be a teaching assistant.”

AminaESOL LearnerNominated by Kate Harries

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Graham has expressed how much he values his opportunity to engage in learning, which has positive benefits on his health and wellbeing. He always challenges himself and his tutor! Graham will often ask for more information or question why exercises are performed in a given way. This aids his understanding and further supports his self-development in his Pilates practise.

Graham says:“Classes have given me a lot to look forward to and I have gained a lot of skills. I have boosted my self-esteem, gained friendships and developed a powerful ability to focus regardless of distractions.

I have got much improved rhythm, technical skills and excellent spatial awareness. I have also developed my abilities to work in groups and overcome challenging presentations that arise in socially difficult situations.”

GrahamPilates LearnerNominated by Tracy Gorbell

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“Learning English is a positive part of my life”, Ina’s words highlight how much she values and enjoys learning. In the space of two academic years, she has progressed from Entry 2 ESOL to Level 1 ESOL, and currently has 100% attendance. She juggles a challenging job as a paediatrician with studying and supporting a family.

Ina’s tutor says: “Ina is incredibly committed; she sincerely records new words, reviews grammar at home and often asks peers and the tutor questions when she is unsure. She is an excellent role model and several students have started to copy her. I enjoyed teaching her and watching her quietly help to raise the standards of the whole class. Simply put, Ina’s story is an exceptional learning story. It is a story of a committed learner who despite obvious educational advantages, does not take anything for granted, is modest, hardworking and willing to help others progress.”

Ina says: “My learning has made a positive difference to my life. I can manage everyday life such as speaking to my landlord, doing shopping, going to the bank and most importantly, I can use my English for my work as a doctor. I also have a lot of new friends and our communication is in English. I write medical history in English, speak with my patients more in English, I even have my appraisal in English.”

InaESOL LearnerNominated by Kate Harries

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By the end of 2013 Jafrine had successfully gained ESOL Entry 2 Speaking and Listening. Her hard work enabled her to move straight to an Entry 3 class without attending any Entry 2 Reading and Writing classes, which was quite a jump in learning for Jafrine. She would often work with her classmates before lessons and undertake extra practice. She has also attended ICT sessions, applying for volunteering opportunities and contacting the careers service to begin to develop a career plan. Jafrine’s quiet determination is an inspiration to us all.

Jafrine says:“When I first came to the UK my English was very poor. After many years my English has got better, but I was still not confident in speaking to people. Since I started the English courses at Idea Store I have become more confident at speaking in English. Now I can confidently go to the doctor and speak on my own. I have become a more independent person. Since 2011, I have done ESOL Entry Levels 1, 2 and 3 and now I am doing ESOL Level 1. I am also currently on a Childcare course with Account 3, because I want to work with children at a children’s centre. After I finish this childcare course I want to carry on studying and finishing up to Level 3 in Childcare. After that I would like to find a job which involves working with young children.”

JafrineESOL LearnerNominated by Rachel Bate

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Janet started attending Painting and Drawing classes at Idea Store Bow two years ago. She had joined the classes to help with rehabilitation from a stroke which had affected the functioning of one side of her body. Janet has proved the therapeutic value of adult learning and of the creative arts in particular.

Janet says:“I had a stroke in October 2009 and lost completely the use of my right arm and hand. I gradually regained the use of both but some weaknesses remained, particularly in doing certain tasks with my hand. Typing and writing were particularly difficult and I thought perhaps an art class would help. At first I was very self-conscious about my rather clumsy hand movements, but with Hanelle’s help and the support of other class members, I have gained confidence and managed to cope with the varied work we have produced; everything from modelling in clay to doing a portrait of my great-grandmother in pastels!

My art classes have helped me believe in myself and made me attempt tasks I felt were beyond me. The social interaction with the other class members has also been a huge boost to my self-confidence and I am so pleased I took the plunge and finally joined the class as it has given me so much.”

JanetPainting & Drawing LearnerNominated by Hanelle Levine

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JasminPainting & Drawing LearnerNominated by Hanelle Levine

Jasmin first attended the weekly Painting and Drawing classes at Idea Store Bow two years ago. Since then, she has created and contributed artwork for every in-house display and often has an unusual slant on project briefs. She has also taken classes in Framing and Mounting Pictures as well as Silkscreen and Printmaking, which have broadened not just her technical skills but also her knowledge and understanding of the Creative Arts. Jasmin’s commitment and enthusiasm is all the more inspirational as she has a serious and chronic health condition. Despite her barriers, Jasmin has managed to keep up with her classmates by retaining contact and practicing outside of class, particularly when she is unable to attend. Jasmin says: “I work and learn at my own pace, developing skills and knowledge in the subject. The thing I like about the class is that as a beginner, I do not feel intimidated by the other students producing master pieces.

I look forward to my classes, which enable me to switch off from the busy demands of my life and to focus on my painting and drawing, which I so very much enjoy.”

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When Joanna started with Idea Stores her tutor saw a timid young lady who was lacking in confidence. Her dream was to become an Accountant and after attending a wide range of ICT, Business, Language and Fitness courses to build her skills, she enrolled onto the AAT Access Level 1 course. She is now studying AAT Level 2 with Tower Hamlets College and working in HR/Payroll for a small company. Joanna is a single parent, who has successfully managed to combine being a mother, studying and finding employment.

Joanna says:“Looking back at myself I would never have thought it possible. I have learned so much, and gained so many new skills. It was a long, amazing and challenging journey and I loved every bit of it. It has changed my life and turned me into the strong, confident woman I believe I am now.”

JoannaBusiness LearnerNominated by Lynn Cooke

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Katie attended Numeracy and Literacy classes delivered by Idea Store Learning at Cubit Town Infant & Junior School. She is also a Learner Volunteer, supporting new parents to navigate the journey she went through. Katie is now almost unrecognisable from the lady we met just a couple of years ago. Confident, bright and supportive, she uses her skills not only to carry on working towards her own goals, but also to help and support others in their journeys. Katie says: “I went in to work, straight from school. I had a few GCSEs, but not the important ones like Literacy or Numeracy. I started taking courses in 2010 through Cubitt Town Community House when my daughter was in nursery.

I have done my Level 2 in English and Maths. Maths I found the hardest, I wasn’t the easiest student to teach, I found a lot of it very hard. I passed my Level 1 Maths in 2012, started my Level 2 Maths the following year and finally in 2014 took my exam and passed. I was over the moon and still can’t believe it. In September 2013 I started volunteering in an infant school and in September 2014, I became a Learner Volunteer with the adult literacy teacher. My life time goal is to become a teaching assistant, I’m on my way. I have a lot of people to thank for this.”

KatieLiteracy& Numeracy LearnerNominated by Kasia Jarczewska

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I first met Katy four years ago when she attended the weekly Arts and Crafts class for learners with learning disabilities at the Shadwell Centre. Katy has several challenges with her vision, dexterity and mobility that she overcomes in a courageous manner. She has a cheerful disposition and good sense of humour and is always ready for a joke!

She has participated in every project both individual and group, making clay angels, fruits, vases, giant mandalas of seeds and beans and many drawn and painted artworks. She has attended all the visits and engaged in the end of year displays. Katy has also attended other classes including Cookery and Woodwork. Katy says: “I like art, I find it interesting. I like working as a group to make displays for the Idea Store that everyone gets to see. I enjoy learning and working with different materials. I’ve learnt how to be more creative and how to use different tools to achieve some amazing art work. I also like helping my friends and encouraging them to be creative.”

KatyArts & CraftsLearnerNominated by Hanelle Levine

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Kerry-Ann is a 25 year old mother of three children, who has found new ways to free her mind, develop new aspirations and grow as a person. Attending Jewellery Making courses provided Kerry-Ann respite from her responsibilities at home and allowed her to express herself creatively. She had a business head and knew that this was not a waste of time, because she could develop her skills to make more professional pieces of jewellery, which she could in future sell. She was already developing her ideas for a business.

Kerry-Ann says: “Completing these courses with Sylvia has helped my confidence to grow, helped me to make new friends and has unleashed a new passion in me to push myself forward to help myself and others. I started making little things at home but thanks to these courses I’m now able to make more complex pieces of jewellery. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in these classes. My middle daughter has a few medical conditions that are and will always be a concern, having a few hours a week where I could just be me and do something I enjoy was very nice for me. It allowed me to be a better mum, I was proud to tell my girls “mummy is going to class to learn something new.”

Kerry-AnnJewellery Makingusing Bead CraftLearnerNominated by Sylvia Apperley

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Lalla came to the UK in 1998 with no English language skills. She was very shy and having a language barrier and small children left her feeling very isolated. She lacked the confidence to look for work, even though she had worked in her home country. But her story changed when she started learning and especially after she became a Learner Volunteer. Lalla initially engaged in learning in 2007/8, but then took a break to look after her young family. She then recommenced learning again in 2011/12 and has now completed ESOL Entry Levels 1, 2a, 2b and is now studying ESOL Entry Level 3. She has also undertaken a number of ICT for ESOL courses and is also doing a Level 2 City & Guilds Certificate in Creative Techniques in Fashion Wear. Volunteering has undoubtedly changed Lalla’s life as she has become a much more confident and assertive person.

Lalla says:“Before I came here in 1998, I was a seamstress in Algeria. I worked in the garment production industry for over ten years, but when I came to England I could not speak English so I could not get any work. I like volunteering and helping others, but I am also learning many new sewing skills and practicing my English. I am a lot more confident now and feel that I will soon be able to get a paid job in Fashion & Textiles. “

LallaESOL and C & GFashion WearLearnerNominated by Mandisha Smith

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Being an older learner did not prevent Laurie from making the commitment necessary for rapid progress and high-achievement. Laurie pushed herself hard and her progress in dance skills were unmatched by other students who had worked from significantly higher starting points and were much younger.

Laurie says: “Having been active in dance in my twenties, I returned to dance classes after a hiatus of approximately 25 years. There was a mix of reasons, health/exercise, coordination, and an important driver - because I MISSED it. Being in my fifties now and having experienced “middle age spread”, I find both my flexibility and strength don’t match what they were in my twenties. But it’s lovely to see how much of it does come back, both in the “poise” of Classical Ballet, and in the intensive, innovative movements of Contemporary Dance. Our teacher is a “real” choreographer/performer and the end-of-year shows are an exhilarating “real theatre” experience. It’s a deeply rewarding opportunity to re-live a bit of the life-choice I didn’t/couldn’t follow in my twenties. It is also a time for meeting and making new friends. Since attending my first dance course at Idea Store Learning, I have returned to university, completing a Masters Degree in Linguistics. My dance classes have been a “launch pad” for starting my “second time round in life”, with renewed interest in dance and performance, and a new degree.”

LaurieBallet &Contemporary Dance LearnerNominated by Annarita Mazzilli

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Mandy started Fitness classes as she wanted to feel better about herself on the outside as well as on the inside. After overcoming illness she had to endure a major operation, but she didn’t give up and feel sorry for herself. It was quite the opposite, she took the bull by its horns and decided she was going to make the most of life and live it to its fullest!

Mandy does not actually realise how brilliant she is. Her cheeky sense of humour is endearing, so much so, that we all look forward to her bringing that laughter and joy to classes. Mandy says:“Following a fairly major operation I realised that I had to get myself fit through regular exercise. My life has improved enormously. I’ve lost weight, feel healthier and I’m full of energy. The training and weight-loss has improved my self-esteem. Overall, I am much happier with my life and get out and meet people more. I’m more confident and really look forward to my classes from both a fitness and social perspective. I attend a number of classes each week and use the fitness experience in my everyday life, by passing on what I have learnt to family and friends.”

MandyFitness for Weight-Loss LearnerNominated by Chris Coker

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Natalyia is an extraordinary student and an inspiration. She has some serious health problems, so she decided to come to England, 7 months ago, to be closer to her daughter.

When Natalyia arrived in London she could only say; ‘Thank you’ and ‘Goodbye’. Natalyia suffers from a life-changing illness and the prospect of long term unemployment; she could have chosen to simply give up, but instead she applied for an ESOL course at Idea Store Bow, where she is studying now. She has set very high standards for herself in regard to her studies. I have never met anyone with such fighting spirit and I really believe that she deserves this award.

Nataliya says:“I choose to study English language because I believe that it is impossible to live in a foreign country without speaking the language of this country. Also, I do not like to feel lonely and limited in relationships and actions. By learning English I feel that I have stepped outside of my own culture and that it will influence my career and educational choices. It also increased my cultural tolerance and understanding. I believe that it will help me in acquiring new friends and I will be able to find a new job and freely communicate with other people.”

NataliyaESOL LearnerNominated by Lucilia Branco

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Piotr has progressed from ESOL Entry 1 to Entry 3 in two years, which I think is an amazing achievement! In addition, on almost all his courses his attendance has been 100%. He also now has a job as a care worker.

It is quite obvious that Piotr practises at home with his children as his speaking skills show much improvement, his vocabulary has increased and his pronunciation has got better, as has his grammar. Piotr is also popular in class, which is a credit to him as most of the class are Bengali women, so culturally quite different.

Piotr says: “I come from Poland. I’m 38 years old and I came to England seven years ago with my wife and two sons. When I came to London I couldn’t speak, read or write in English at all. My wife had studied English before, so she could communicate and she got a job. When my wife was at work, I was at home. I took care of my children, made meals, tidied and did shopping while learning English.

My hard work allowed me to get a job. Currently I work as a carer for disabled people. I like this job because I like helping other people.”

PiotrESOL LearnerNominated by Heather Simpson

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Before starting her learning journey with an Aspirations course with Idea Store Learning (delivered at Overland Children’s Centre), Quratulain was primarily a homemaker. Her confidence level was very low despite having many creative skills and hobbies such as craft work, candle making and calligraphy. However, since thenshe continued onto other courses such as Confidence to Succeed, Customer Services (ESOL), Pesentation Techniques (ESOL) etc. and just one year later, she has secured herself a job as a supply Teaching Assistant. This was huge progress as she had never worked before. Even more of an achievement was that she also established her own business, making her own designs. She has made a catalogue to showcase her unique designs and has developed her skills in running and marketing her own business.

Quratulain says:“As a result of joining an Aspirations course, I started to feel motivation in myself and gained my confidence to apply for jobs. The course gave me the courage to become more independent and now I am working as a Teaching Assistant. I am also involved in networking and marketing my own business. Now, I am really focused and organised and I am inspiring other women, which is really great for me. In future I want to focus on growing my business and helping other people, especially women.”

QuratulainAspirationsLearnerNominated by Akthar Mahmud

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The main barrier for Raquel was her level of English. She enrolled onto English classes at Idea Store, where she assessed at Entry Level 3 initially, but at the end of the year, she achieved her Level 2 Functional Skills, a level of progression that is extraordinary and is down largely to her dedication and hard work. Raquel also enrolled onto Confidence to Succeed and Improve your Job Seeking Skills courses. She had very clear goals and was very motivated to achieve. Raquel had many years of experience in the banking industry before coming to the UK and she wanted to develop this career. As a result of her dedication, she has now secured herself a job in her chosen career. Raquel says: “Before coming to the UK, I took some English courses but when I came, I realized that it was not enough and trying to communicate was very frustrating. I felt shy because I didn’t know if people understood me. One year after, I am now working in the operations department in banking. Enrolling onto courses not only helped me to learn a lot, but I also met great people and it helped me to stay motivated to get a job.

I have started at the lowest position, it is a small step but I believe that if we set small goals to achieve, one day we will achieve the biggest final goal.”

RaquelFunctional EnglishLearnerNominated by Kay Carter

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At 82 years old Ravindra can truly claim a history of lifelong learning. He qualified as a surgeon and worked in medical schools in Jammu and Kashmir as both a surgeon and teacher for 30 years. Although a very learned man he possessed only basic skills in computing. Ravindra is currently working as a Disability Analyst and he realised that to compete in the working environment he would need to keep pace with technology. Ravindra joined an ECDL Level 1 course and even though at times he struggled to grasp certain aspects of the course his true grit and determination would not allow him to fail. He put in the extra hours of study he needed to pass the course and is now working towards ECDL Level 2. He has been an inspiration to other members of the group.

Ravindra says: “My overall productivity and efficiency as a Disability Analyst has improved. It is simply incredible that someone like me can pass ECDL Level 2. I am doing it to show my grandchildren what their granddad can do at four score years and two.”

RavindraEuropean ComputerDriving Licence(ECDL) LearnerNominated by Lynn Cooke

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Riccardo first enrolled on Get Started in Clothes Making course for Beginners in September 2011. From being a novice, he is now able to: design, construct his own patterns, mock up a garment and make the finished garment. His ambition is to pursue a career in fashion, which he clearly has the ability to do. Measurements and the application of numeracy can be challenging for Visual Arts learners, but Riccardo has applied himself fully in these more challenging aspects and has helped other learners to do the same. In supporting others, Riccardo has improved his own communication skills.

Riccardo says:“When I first enrolled I didn’t even know that a sewing machine has a bobbin inside, I thought that it was such a complicated machine. My mum used to sew and I always wanted to learn to make and alter my own clothes. I started producing very simple plain garments, but now I am proud to be able to produce dresses, trousers, coats and jackets with a high level of accuracy.

I am a self-employed Graphic Designer and I really enjoy applying creative thinking to the clothes I make. I have been sewing clothes for my friends and family and recently I started making clothes for kids. My next step, together with another friend, is to start our own business selling clothes for kids online.”

RiccardoPattern CuttingLearnerNominated by Liliane Fontaine

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Sharon has been attending classes for 20 years now and many are in her old primary school - now the Shadwell Centre. She has taken a wide variety of courses including Body Conditioning, Fitness for Weight-Loss, Piano & Keyboard Skills, Creative Thinking and IT. She has discovered new and exciting ways to keep herself feeling young and vibrant.

Sharon says:“I am 60 years old and I absolutely love learning!” She has made new friends and discovered talents that she didn’t even know that she had! She says “I have always had a passion for poetry but my IT and Creative Thinking classes have led me to start writing my own! I shared some of my poems with my tutor, Lynn Cooke and she encouraged me to try to get them published. With her help, I have now had a few of my poems published by United Press!

I regularly write poems for the Sonali Gardens Newsletter (Sonali Gardens is the local community centre for elders in my area). I have even been given the opportunity to deliver talks on my poems at Idea Store Watney Market! The feedback that I got was fantastic and made me feel so special! I absolutely love learning and plan to enrol on some more courses next term. No matter what happens I definitely won’t give up!!!”

SharonIT LearnerNominated by Lynn Cooke

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Shumon is profoundly deaf and had no access to education or special schooling in the area in Bangladesh where he was born. He came to the UK in 2005 after marrying and was involved with several organisations, which support those with disabilities.

In October 2013 Shumon came to Idea Store Learning to join the British Sign Language class. He was lacking in confidence and found it difficult to communicate. It is difficult to describe the change in Shumon as he began to communicate in sign language. His body language changed, he became more confident in class and could be seen wearing a big smile as he started communicating in a common language. Since passing his British Sign Language Level 1 qualification Shumon has been studying at Al Isharah Deaf Muslim Charity on their Employability for the Deaf programme. He is studying qualifications in First Aid and Health and Safety and is learning to fit carpets and laminate flooring so that he can find employment. Shumon is not able to read or write in either English or Bengali but is not letting this get in the way of his progress on the Employability course.

Shumon is very proud of his achievement on the BSL course.

ShumonBritish SignLanguage (BSL) LearnerNominated by Jane Carter-Dunn

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Stephen has been studying with Idea Store Learning for the past 9 years and has studied a range of courses across the curriculum including English, Maths, Fitness, Painting & Drawing, Silk Screen Printing and Health & Safety. He joined his first IT class as a “computer phobic” - his tutor had never seen anyone so petrified of using a computer. After taking a number of IT courses he gained enough confidence to undertake and achieve the BCS ITQ Level 2 qualification. Stephen is now a Learner Volunteer and is a true inspiration to the learners he is assisting. He has conquered his own fears and is now helping other “computer phobics” on their learning journeys.

Stephen says:”About 7 years ago I was driving for a living when I developed Dystonia in my eyes. As a result of this I unfortunately lost my job. Initially I was caring for my Mother who had developed Dementia but when she went into a care home I wanted to do something more with my life. I am now a more self-motivated individual with a positive attitude to life which has helped to improve my mental state along the way. I now feel that I have some value to my life. The volunteering work that I do with Idea Store Learning allows me to help others who are just like I used to be.”

StephenIT LearnerNominated by Lynn Cooke

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Valentina’s background is in architecture. She joined the Intermediate Photography class because she wanted to improve her skills and pursue another direction in her career. She believes that architectural studies have formed her into an open minded and creative individual but her career leaves little space for creativity due to the constraints of rules and regulations. Valentina feels that learning Photography gives her what her current career lacks namely: spontaneity, creativity and independence. Importantly, through learning Photography Valentina has gained confidence, which has enabled her to shift her role within her company. She has now started to take on marketing tasks. She relishes the added independence and creativity. Valentina says:“All these experiences together improved my self-image, increased my confidence at the point that I am not afraid of calling myself a ‘beginner” and jumping into new things. While learning I proved to myself that “I can”. This helped me to understand myself better and the way I wanted to direct my career and life. At work I became more proactive and reinvented myself in new roles. Above all, photography is the practice that I enjoy the most and the skills I learnt can be applied easily to everyday life. Some of my photos made the shortlist in Instagram competitions and I got my photo published on the front page of a photography website.”

ValentinaIntermediatePhotography LearnerNominated by Clementina Cross

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Many learners believe that the reason they can’t get a job is that their English isn’t good enough. However, I have also noticed that many learners manage to get jobs really quickly, even if their English is no better. What they have is the experience, confidence, skills and techniques to complete the job applications and interviews. This project was set up in 2011 to give ESOL learners with very little or no work experience, a safe, scaffolded learning environment, where they can build their confidence, skills and develop a better understanding of work and employment. The application process, interviews, placements, support and supervision were all designed to mimic the realities of the workplace.

It has acted as a stepping stone into work for students who might otherwise find it hard to get on the job ladder. We have had many successes over the years with students going on to find employment using their experiences and references gained from their placements with Idea Store. Idea Store is proud that their learners have won Regional Adult Learners’ Week Awards every year for the last four years and won a National Adult Learners’ Week Award in 2014. All of these winners were part of the ESOL Learner Volunteer Project. The project was so successful that it has now been extended so all learners attending Idea Store Learning courses can now apply to become Learner Volunteers.

ESOL LearnerVolunteerProjectNominated by Andrew Burke

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The Learner Newsletter Project was established in 2012 with a group of enthusiastic Level 1 ESOL learners. This was a learner-led project developed to improve literacy skills amongst ESOL learners. The group came up with the idea of a writing competition to get their peers involved. It was brilliant; they managed to get over 70 entries! They had publicised the competition so well that everyone was waiting to know who the winners. The learners, tutors and especially the newsletter team were very proud. The newsletter was more than just something to read, it was widely used as class resource across all levels, inspiring lots of classroom activities, projects etc. One class even wrote letters to the editor, some of which were published in the 2013/14 Learner Newsletter. In 2013-14, the Project became a ‘club’ and ESOL learners from different levels worked together. They opened the competition up to Literacy and Numeracy learners and consequently there were over 150 entries, which was amazing! The Newsletter Project gave learners an opportunity to showcase their talents in designing, editing, typing and hosting a launch event. As well as boosting their English language skills and confidence, the experience also helped learners to gain vital employability skills and experiences to add to their CVs.

LearnerNewsletterProjectNominated by Zilani Miah

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Clare says:“This is a class where learners can participate no matter what their ability, from a seated position or standing, with or without a chair for support. A class that has something for everyone no matter what level of fitness, but it’s also more than that.

As well as giving learners a chance to exercise it also gives them a chance to better understand their own body. The classes give them an opportunity to understand how their mobility can change from week to week and very importantly how stress has a negative impact on overall health.”

Nicholas says“The idea of ‘chair-based yoga’ might sound rather tame, but for this 72-year-old it offers a pretty tough workout! Before I took up yoga I was referred once or twice for physiotherapy to help with arthritis, I don’t know what the tutor does, but these days it’s hard to believe I ever had such problems”

Karen says:“The class has helped me stay flexible, and the breathing exercises have helped me with anxiety and insomnia, and contributed hugely to my general sense of well-being. It is a friendly and lively class and I am very pleased to be part of it.“

Chair BasedYoga(Group nomination)Learners: Nicholasand Karen Tutor: Clare Day

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• Are you passionate about helping others?• Can you assist tutors and adult learners in the classroom?• Are you interested in admin work or helping at events?• Can you volunteer for at least 2 hours per week?

If the answer is yes, then apply now! As a Learner Volunteer you will gain more confidence and new skills, training and support towards employment.

Please contact the Community Development Team on020 7364 7444 or email ideastorecdt@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Become an Idea StoreLearner Volunteer

Funded by

SkillsFundingAgency

Information about courses and events can be found at

www.ideastore.co.uk