A Manchester mum’s dedication and commitment to learning was recognised with a Regional Individual Award – sponsored by the European Social Fund (ESF) - as part of the 20th Adult Learners’ Week. Manchester mum Mathlian Downs, 50, gained her first ever qualifications after returning to learning as an adult and has since secured a full-time job.

When Mathlian was referred to Working Links through the Jobcentre, her confidence, motivation and self-esteem were very low. She had been in care as a child and at school she struggled with reading and writing and believed she was ‘thick’, leaving school with no qualifications. She was partially deaf, but only at 21 was she diagnosed with glue ear.

Mathlian returned to education in her 20s to take GCSEs but did not complete them. After her children were born, she realised that she needed to support their learning. At Working Links, she completed an employability course in CV writing, job preparation and interview skills. She took a care course, gaining her first ever qualifications, including Health & Safety, First Aid, Manual Handling, and Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults. Her learning was part-funded by the European Social Fund (ESF).

During the course, she gained a full-time job as a nursing home support worker. She hopes to continue learning and is aiming to complete her NVQ level 3 in Health and Social Care. ‘I can’t thank Working Links enough,’ said Mathlian. ‘They have given me the confidence to believe that I can achieve.’

Wendy Violentano, Head of ESF Division at the Department for Work and Pensions, commented on how pleased she was that the European Social Fund sponsored the 20th Adult Learners’ Week, describing the event as: ‘A wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of people like Mathlian and to show how learning can help improve job prospects.’

Alan Tuckett, NIACE Chief Executive, said: ‘The stories of our award winners once again illustrate the overwhelmingly positive impact that learning has on people’s lives. The transformation that Mathlian has experienced is due to her dedication, persistence and ambition. I hope that adults across the country will be inspired by Mathlian’s story to take up learning and discover for themselves a whole new life.’

For more information on adult learning, visit the NIACE website.

The European Social Fund (ESF) is a core sponsor of Adult Learners’ Week. In England, between 2007 to 2013, the ESF will invest £2.5 billion to extend skills and employment opportunities. For more information about the ESF and its impact on the lives of people who have overcome barriers to the labour market, explore ESF-Works.