Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Community Learning team is delighted to announce that one of its learners, Elaine Smith, was a winner in the Adult Learners’ Week Awards, a national competition which was held in Glasgow in February.
Elaine Smith was employed as a health worker in a local care home for the elderly but after bouts of headaches and impaired speech, she was diagnosed as having an arachnoid cyst on her brain and needed an urgent operation. Complications when removing the cyst left Elaine in a high-dependency ward for a week. She had to learn to walk, talk and even swallow again.
Elaine’s rehabilitation has been truly inspiring and to have this recognised nationally, through this award, has been a massive boost to both her confidence and self-esteem.
Elaine says, “I felt honoured to be chosen as a winner for this award. For the last 20 months I have focused on doing everything I can to become the best ‘Elaine’ that I can be, post-surgery. The classes I take at North West Resource Centre have been really beneficial in improving my neurological deficits. Since winning, I feel even more motivated to keep pushing myself to continue learning new skills and it’s given me the confidence to think that maybe I can be employable in the future”.
Councilor Jeff Leaver, Chairman of the Council’s Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning Committee commented; “I am so pleased that Elaine’s courage, determination and dedication has been recognised at a national level; the commitment, positivity and true grit displayed has been commendable. She is a lovely lady, and a shining example of what can be achieved through having a positive mental attitude. Well done, Elaine!”
Dumfries and Galloway Council would like to offer our warmest congratulations on her recent win and wish her all the best for the future.
If you would like to find out about the learning opportunities available in your area please visit www.dumgal.gov.uk or contact the community learning team by emailing [email protected] or telephoning 01387 279279.
