A Downpatrick woman has been crowned Essential Skills Learner of the Year at this year’s Essential Skills Awards.
Marieanne O’Shea was presented with the award at a glittering ceremony held at Hillsborough Castle. In addition, Marieanne received the Co. Down Essential Skills Learner of the Year 2011 award and also received a highly commended certificate in the Essential Skills ICT awards.
As a mature student and mother with a part-time job, Marieanne has had to overcome a number of obstacles, including family commitments and illness, on her learning journey. Despite this, Marieanne’s attendance and work at South Eastern Regional College in Downpatrick were exemplary and, combined with an infectious enthusiasm for study, resulted in her achieving an Essential Skills ICT level 2 qualification. Marieanne has continued to follow an Access to Healthcare course as she works towards her ambition to become a midwife.
Commenting on her learning experience, Marieanne said: “Being back in education has given me a focus and a thirst for learning. I can honestly say that enrolling in the classes was the best decision I have ever made.”
Employment and Learning Minister, Danny Kennedy, congratulated Marieanne and said: “The commitment to learning shown by Marieanne, in the most difficult of circumstances, is an example to us all. She is a worthy winner of the Essential Skills Learner of the Year Award.”