Zara is learner of the year


Zara Roberts Adult Learner of the year

A young North Wales woman who suffered life-threatening injuries and brain damage in a horrific car crash has been named Learner of the Year at the Inspire! Adult Learner Awards 2010.

Zara Roberts’ victory was announced at the climax of a glittering ceremony at the Coal Exchange, Cardiff, hosted by TV’s Claire Summers and comedian and presenter Chris Corcoran.

Zara, aged 24, from Llangollen, had earlier been presented with the Young Adult Learner of the Year Award and was chosen from all the category winners by an independent panel of judges as a worthy ambassador and an inspiration to others for adult learning in Wales.

The award was presented by Jane Hutt AM, Minister for Business and Budget in the Welsh Assembly Government.

The Inspire! awards are organised by our client, NIACE Dysgu Cymru, which is celebrating 25 years of promoting adult learning in Wales, and recognise learners whose achievements have been inspirational or life-changing.

In 2004 Zara Roberts’s life changed forever when she was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident.

“I suffered traumatic brain injury, five broken ribs, punctured lung, fractured pelvis, elbow and ankle and tore the descending aorta from my heart,” said Zara. “I had to learn to talk, walk and do everything from scratch like a baby.”

Before her accident Zara was on her way to university to become a teacher, specializing in special needs. Although faced with enormous difficulties, Zara fought to achieve her NVQ in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Level 2.

Richard Spear, Director of NIACE Dysgu Cymru said: “Zara really stands out as an example to others. She has overcome incredible obstacles to gain the experience and qualifications to help others, and is an excellent ambassador for adult learning in Wales.

“She was planning to become a teacher, suffered an horrific set back, had to learn to speak again, and is now on the road to becoming a teacher. If that’s not resilience, I don’t know what is!”

Other award winners on the night included former rugby international Scott Quinnell. Awards went to:

  • Further Education Learner of the Year: Terri George, Ebbw Vale;
  • Community Learner of the Year: Ian Whitehill, Newport;
  • Basic Skills Learner of the Year: Rachael Williams, Cardiff;
  • Senior Learner of the Year (joint): Ada Evans, Merthyr, and Sybil Coleman, Swansea;
  • ESOL Learner of the Year: Lutala Kabe, Newport;
  • Welsh Learner of the Year: Margaret Odyomo, Chepstow;
  • Community Action Group Award: The Gathering, Cardiff;
  • Higher Education Learner of the Year: Tracey Hudson, Cardiff;
  • Distance Learner of the Year: Katrina Sumner, Wrexham;
  • Workplace Learner of the Year: Martin Dilworth, Prestatyn;
  • Vocational Learner of the Year: Zoe Smith, Powys;
  • Family and Intergenerational Learning Award: Central Infants Family Learning Class, Neath;
  • Director’s Award (joint): Scott Quinnell, Monmouth, and Mike Rivers, Neath.