ColegauCymru was delighted to attend the 2025 Inspire! Adult Learning Awards at Brangwyn Hall, Swansea last night, joining learners, educators, and community advocates to celebrate those whose journeys reflect the transformative power of adult education. The awards, held as part of #AdultLearnersWeek, spotlight individuals and organisations across Wales who have gone above and beyond in their learning journeys.
Honouring Remarkable Journeys
The winners of this year’s Inspire! Awards embody resilience, ambition, and community spirit. From new beginnings to life-changing progress, each story reminds us that adult learning is much more than gaining qualifications - it’s a
bout regaining confidence, opening doors, and shaping futures.
Among the honoured were:
- Osian Lloyd, winner of the Young Adult Learner Award, who has overcome personal loss and challenges to rebuild his future.
- Gina Powell, awarded the Learner Voice Award, whose dedication to her school community has made a lasting impact.
- Michael Cook and Ida Aldred, joint winners of the Life Change Award, both demonstrating how learning can transform careers and lives.
- Hamdi Abdalkareem Abdalla Abdalrhman, the Shared Futures Award recipient, recognised for his commitment to education as a force for change.
- Mandy Price, winner of Learning for Better Health, who embodies resilience with her motto “Rise up and show up.”
Janine Price, honoured with the Essential Skills for Life Award, who has shown determination to continue her learning journey despite early challenges.
- Parent Learning Group, winners of the Hywel Francis Award for Community Impact, supporting hundreds of families at Cathays High School in Cardiff.
- Will Hougham, winner of the Skills for Work Award, whose career in the screen industry has been strengthened through learning.
- Gloria Beynon, awarded the Ageing Well Award, who has embraced learning and volunteering in retirement.
- Foo Seng Thean, winner of the New Welsh Speaker Award, who has embraced Welsh language learning since moving to Swansea.
Why It Matters
ColegauCymru believes in the value and impact of lifelong learning. Seeing the courage, determination, and growth in the stories celebrated reinforces our commitment to supporting adults in all walks of life to learn, progress, and thrive. The Inspire! Awards not only recognise achievement but also signal the hope and opportunity that education brings - to individuals, communities, and for a strong Welsh economy.
Our Calls to the Next Welsh Government
As set out in our Manifesto for the Senedd 2026 Election, Growth, Opportunity and Fairness, ColegauCymru is calling for a renewed focus on sustained investment in adult learning. We are urging the next Welsh Government to commit to:
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reversing cuts to adult education and delivering a new entitlement to lifelong learning for every adult in Wales; and
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investing in flexible, local provision that allows adults to reskill and upskill throughout their lives, improving health, wellbeing, and employment opportunities.
Adult learners and communities thrive when opportunities are accessible and properly resourced. Last night’s awards demonstrate exactly why investment in lifelong learning must remain a national priority.
We’ll be launching our Manifesto for the Senedd 2026 election online on 8 October. To register your attendance, email Tanwen.James@ColegauCymru.ac.uk.
Looking Ahead
As we applaud last night’s winners, we also look forward to what the future holds. ColegauCymru remains dedicated to partnering with learners, providers, and stakeholders to ensure that opportunities for learning are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to real-life needs.
Congratulations to all the winners, nominees, and everyone involved. Together, you are helping write the next chapter of adult learning in Wales.
Further Information
Adult Learners' Week - Never Stop Learning
15 - 21 September
