Nine people have been recognised for their determination to change their lives at this year's West Berkshire's Learner Achievement Awards.

Linda Turner, Charlotte Davies, Michelle Gilbert, Gina McGuinness, Rona Maail, Nadiia Torpoka, Tom Allport, Elena-Ramona Zamfir, and Cara Giles-Allen have all been named winners.

The awards celebrate the success of adult learning in West Berkshire, covering apprenticeships, professional, academic, and vocational courses, and learning programmes that support families, communities, and health and wellbeing.

The winners of the Learner Achievement Awards.The winners of the Learner Achievement Awards. (Image: West Berkshire Council)

The winners were chosen from 65 nominations.

Nadiia Torpoka, who won the Outstanding Achievement Award, fled Ukraine in 2022 and arrived in the UK with no job, no secure home, and limited knowledge of the culture and language.

After completing a range of English courses at The Vici Language Academy, she is now working within the UK hydro engineering industry.

Linda Turner took part in a Creative Wellbeing for Mental Health course during a difficult time and now exhibits and sells her artworks.

Charlotte Davies overcame her shyness and lack of confidence to enrol on a baby massage course at her local Family Hub.

She is now a valued volunteer who supports the Hub staff to set up learning sessions for other parents.

Rona Maail fled war-torn Afghanistan and started over in a new country.

She is a mother, a student, and a valued community member, dedicated to helping others to navigate a new language and culture.

Gina McGuinness is a well-respected teacher who has taught at Newbury College for more than 20 years across a variety of accredited and non-accredited English programmes and levels.

Born in the UK to Italian parents, her strengths as a teacher stem from an understanding of what it is like to migrate to the UK, the issues her students face, and what motivates them to build a life here.

Heather Codling, West Berkshire’s executive member for children, education and young people's services, said: "Hearing the stories of these incredible people is extremely moving.

"It really shows the depth of determination and strength it takes to succeed. They have all gone above and beyond to get there and benefit others along the way.

"I’m delighted that we’re able to recognise their efforts and hope that their stories will inspire others to follow their lead and reach their full potential too. Our winners show that, although this may be hard, it can certainly be done.

"Congratulations to all our LAA winners and everyone who was nominated for their incredible efforts."