South London Colleges’ Best Learner Award

Richmond Adult Community College Student receives South London Colleges’ Best Learner Award

Eighty year old adult learner, Walter Dean was invited to the annual award ceremony at the House of Lords on Wednesday 18th May 2011 to receive his Best Learner Award 2011. The annual ceremony celebrates the achievements of learners across South London. Lord Tope kindly agreed to be the guest speaker and presented the awards to the learners. The awards are organised by the Committee of South London Principals (COSLP) who represent colleges in Croydon, Kingston, Bromley, Richmond, Sutton and Merton. Mr Michael Wheeler, Principal of Bromley Adult Education College, chairs the committee. Christina Conroy OBE, Principal & Chief Executive said: “During Adult Learner’s Week we celebrate significant individual achievement particularly where they overcome barriers to take part in successful adult learning. We were really proud to celebrate Walter’s achievement at the House of Lords. Walter is a student in the Learners with Learning Disabilities Department (LLDD). He has learning difficulties and has been at the college since 2004. This year he celebrated his 80th birthday with us. Walter’s passion is art and over the years his art has flourished on our art courses. His energy and enthusiasm is motivating and inspiring to his fellow students. Walter’s work has been exhibited at the ‘Mind & Soul’ exhibition at Orleans House Gallery, Richmond. This year he has made artwork which has been sold in the LLDD shop in the college.” There were three runners up in the highly commended category Daniel Granger, Katie Pickard and Wilson Atease who were invited to a special celebration event at the college on Thursday 26th May where their friends and family heard their nominations and received recognition of their nomination. Prizes were given by the Chair of Governor’s Geoff Varrall who was delighted to celebrate the success of learners at the college. RACC hosted a number of events to celebrate Adult Learners Week these included attendance, promotion and free hand massages at Richmond May Fair and a Business Enterprise Networking event which provided information and support to over 50 of Richmond’s creative business minds to help them develop their own small business.

For further information on events and courses at RACC please visit www.racc.ac.uk.

Further Information contact: Janet Croney on 020 8891 5907 ext 7926, email janet.croney@racc.ac.uk