Booktrust is delighted to announce that, for the second year running, we will be sponsoring the Booktrust: Power of Reading Award as part of Adult Learners' Week.
The Adult Learners' Week Awards, organised by NIACE, recognise extraordinary learners with inspirational learning journeys that have helped them transform not only their own lives, but the lives of the people around them too. Whether learning has boosted their confidence, helped them develop existing or new skills, or led to a life changing experience, the awards celebrate learning in all its forms.
Booktrust, like NIACE, is committed to celebrating the role of books in lifelong learning. The Booktrust: Power of Reading Award is an opportunity to celebrate the contribution that books and reading give to adult learners by helping to improve their own or their family's reading skills.
Nominations are now open for the Adult Learners' Week Awards 2010. Nominate an outstanding learner and give them the recognition they deserve!
If you know individuals, groups, families or projects that inspire you, nominate them for an Adult Learners' Week Award.
Making a nomination is simple, and can be submitted on paper or online. Visit www.alw.org.uk/nominate for more information.
Everyone nominated will receive a Certificate of Achievement, and the winners will be invited to an awards ceremony and receive a learning voucher.
Early bird entries
Nominations submitted by 15 December 2009 will be entered for a FREE prize draw to win one of five £20 shopping vouchers, just in time for Christmas!
Visit the Adult Learners' Week website to find out more about previous award winners.
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Winner of the 2009 Booktrust: Power of Reading Award
Gerildine Talbot from Leeds was the winner of the first Booktrust: Power of Reading Award. She was presented with her award of £250 by Viv Bird, Chief Executive of Booktrust, at an adult learning professionals' conference on Friday 15 May 2009.
Gerildine showed remarkable strength in overcoming a very difficult and disrupted childhood which left her illiterate. At the age of 43 she joined the East Leeds Family Learning Centre in Seacroft, Leeds. Within a year she had become a prominent member of the centre’s book club, achieved entry level 2 in literacy and attained basic level computer skills.
Gerildine was nominated for the award by centre manager Anne Eveleigh who commented:
‘Gerildine deserves this award because she has shown such determination and resolve. Now a world is opening up to her that she never thought she would occupy. Learning has facilitated huge changes in Gerildine’s life which has completely changed her view of her future.’
Viv Bird said:
'Judging this award was a challenging and inspirational experience and we were impressed by the wonderful achievements of the many entrants who revealed the transformative power of reading in their own lives. Gerildine Talbot’s dedication and outstanding achievements made her a thoroughly deserving winner.'
Gerildine Talbot said:
‘When they told me I had won I thought it was a wind-up! I used to walk about unable to read boards in the street. Letters sent from the school all had to be explained to me. I now cannot stop reading. In class I can even read aloud. I have books galore at home and now understand the joy of reading. Hopefully my winning the award will show others that your past doesn't have to continue into your present and everybody can learn to read if they want to with the support of family and teaching staff.’
Everyone who was nominated for the Award received a Certificate of Achievement.
Download the press release about the winner (Microsoft Word .doc 116Kb)
Read more about previous winners
For more information please contact Louise Chadwick, National Development Manager Inclusion & Family Learning, Booktrust. louise.chadwick@booktrust.org.uk
