BA Humanities Degree student Arlene Morgan, aged 47, from Glynneath, was named as the ‘Higher Education Learner of the Year’, and was also a finalist in the ‘Community Learner’ category.

The Neath Port Talbot Learning Promotion Group held their Learner and Tutor Awards at Margam Orangery on Thursday, 19 June. The event was an opportunity for learners and tutors to gain recognition for their efforts and demonstrate their commitment to learning.

After two attempts of returning to education, it was  a case of third time lucky for single mother Arlene. When her daughter began full-time education, Arlene felt the time was right to start her studies. As a frequent visitor to the Glynneath Training Centre, Arlene often read information about DACE’s Part-time Humanities degree and its associated Preparation Programme, and in turn, she decided to start the BA Degree Preparation Programme in Humanities where she studied History and Psychology. 

After completing the programme, Arlene (pictured left) enroled on the Part-time Humanities Degree, and went on to study a range of English Literature and History modules at various community centres in Carmarthenshire.

Arlene now hopes that her own university experience will inspire her daughter to consider and achieve higher education in the future. Speaking about her studies and the impact that it has had on her daughter, Arlene said: “We are both on a continuous learning journey where we share the learning experience together. We have visited many places such as Swansea University’s Egypt Centre to expand our knowledge. My regular visits to the local and university libraries have encouraged my daughter to become an avid reader". 

Last autumn, on behalf of the university, Arlene participated in delivering a literacy project to primary schools, allowing her to gain experience that she can use in the future. At her local primary school,  she mentored children with  Agored Cymru’s  'Help a Child to Read' and 'Better Reading' programmes. Recognising the importance of her student voice, Arlene also volunteered to take part in a recent event organised by the South West Wales Regional Learning Partnership, and she is also involved in a  number of volunteering roles within the community.

After receiving her award, Arlene said: “Thank you to all DACE staff and tutors, along with the continued commitment of the students who together make the experience worthwhile”.

Vanessa Thomas, DACE Development Officer, said: “Arlene embraces all opportunities and is an inspirational role model.  We are privileged to have such an enthusiastic and devoted student!”.

Part-time Degree students Tracy Muldoon, Samantha Ratnayake were shortlisted for the Higher Education Learner Award, and part-time Humanities Degree tutors Carole Butler and Dr Rhian Worth were also nominated by DACE staff for the Neath Port Talbot Tutor Awards. 

 Professor Colin Trotman, Director of DACE at Swansea University said “I am delighted that DACE adult students and tutors have received recognition for their studies and commitment to teaching in a community based-setting. Their stories are inspirational and they are to be congratulated. We wish them well for the future”.