Paula Travers-Spencer from Clynderwen, has been nominated for an Inspire Adult Learner Award, which celebrates and rewards learners whose achievements have been inspirational or life- changing. The independent panel of judges commended Paula for her determination and commitment in overcoming very real obstacles to pursue her learning goals. Paula fulfilled a lifelong ambition to become a nurse through a distance learning qualification, but the onset of rheumatic arthritis and depression ended her career. Paula was determined not to let her difficulties prevent her from working and returned to learning with the Open University. However, Paula was set back once again as her husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Paula's tutors nominated her for an Inspire Adult Learner's Award as they were so impressed with her dedication to her studies while she juggled a variety of responsibilities, including the running of the family smallholding and her husband's accountancy practice. Since 1991, the Inspire Adult Learners' Awards, organised by NIACE Dysgu Cymru, has sought to identify, recognise and celebrate the achievements of adult learners throughout Wales. The awards are split into three categories; Individual, Community Action Group and Intergenerational and Family Learning, with a final overall Adult Learner of the Year being drawn from the evening's winners. Rhydian Thomas, of NIACE Dysgu Cymru, advocates of adult learning in Wales, and organisers of the Inspire Awards, said: "Wales has a wealth of inspirational people whose learning and achievements have made a real difference to their lives and the community in which they live and work, demonstrating first-hand the benefits of returning to learning. "As always, the calibre of entries has been extremely high, with nominations put forward from right across Wales. Our finalists are examples of ordinary people who have all made an extraordinary impact on themselves, their families and communities through returning to learning and we are delighted to be able to recognise this with these awards." The Inspire Awards Ceremony is held as part of Adult Learners' Week, May 17 - 24, the UK's largest festival and celebration of adult learning, co- ordinated by NIACE Dysgu Cymru, and core-funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Social Fund. All category winners and the overall Adult Learner of the Year will be announced by TV presenters Nia Parry and Iolo Williams at the prestigious, invitation-only, ceremony at Brangwyn Hall in Swansea on May 15.
