Adult Learners Week 2024

Life Change & Progression Award – Finalist

Louisa Johnson

Adult Learners Week is a week that promotes opportunity, it encourages people to try something new and it can be life changing for those who may have missed out on education earlier in life.

One of Adult Learning Wales’ learners, Louisa Johnson, is a learner who found that second chance to learn again, and it has changed her life.

Louisa left school at 15 years of age with no qualifications and went straight into a job in a factory. She moved around the country and spent time in prison for anti-social behaviour. She made the choice that this way of life wasn’t for her, but the world of education and learning wasn’t something Louisa initially wanted to progress into.

Louisa said:

“I just didn’t think that the academic world initially was for me. I moved to Cardiff, around 30 years ago and I’ve worked really hard on trying to better myself, becoming the person I wanted to be. Five years ago, I had a breakdown and I suffered from severe depression and anxiety, because of my anxiety, I couldn’t get out the house, but then I was introduced to Maximus. Working with Maximus led me to Adult Learning Wales and their digital learning course. I was cautious at first, I questioned and doubted myself, but within half an hour, I was like, well, I’m here to learn and that’s what you’re here for.”

Louisa joined a Digital Literacy course in Cardiff with Adult Learning Wales, led by tutor, Nicole Kinnard. Louisa wanted to turn her life around, she signed up for the course and it has improved her confidence. This course has upskilled her digital skills and she now feels that she is able to navigate the world and is in a better place.

Nicole added:

“Louisa enjoys the social aspect of the course, it has got her out of the house, and she really enjoys the peer support that she gives others within the classroom. Louisa comes from an improvised background and spent time in prison, she had the notion that computers and office work was not for her and she would never be able to do that sort of work, however now that she has completed two digital literacy course she feels that she has confidence to do anything that she would like to now and it has made her realise that life is a tapestry and full of colour and no matter where you come from you can do it with the support of others.”

 “Louisa’s has overcome a number of barriers which has given her the opportunity to learn again and further her education. She is a delight to teach and brings with her a large amount of enthusiasm and has immersed herself into the peer support role. Louisa hopes to continue with her ICT and enrol on more accreditation courses. She is an inspiration to other learners and is kind and considerate and always happy to help others and tell them her story and how is got to where she is today.”

It isn’t just the social aspect and the learning side of the Digital Literacy course that has helped Louisa. Her confidence has grown, and more importantly, for her, her well-being has significantly improved:

“I really like my tutor (Nicole), she made me feel at easy and took the anxiety away. Initially, I just wanted to know how computers work and what goes on with them, but I have learnt so much more while really enjoying it. I have met a great group of people on the course, I didn’t know many people before, and now I get on well with the groups I have worked with. I’ve enjoyed helping others as well, we talk to each other, we help each other out. I’ve got a lot more confidence from taking the course; it makes me feel good and useful, and it has really helped with my mental health.”

Louisa made the decision to join a course with Adult Learning Wales against the self doubts she had about learning at the time. It has been so rewarding to see her grow both in her learning and with her wellbeing. Education and learning is for all, and as Louisa’s story shows, it’s never too late to learn. We are incredibly pleased that Louisa made it as a finalist for this year’s Inspire! Learner Awards in the Life Change & Progression Award, and this achievement is thoroughly deserved. Congratulations Louisa!