25th September 2017
Sabeena Shah from London has been announced as the winner of the Festival of Learning National Tutor Award for her exceptional achievement in adult learning.
Growing up, Sabeena was not encouraged to study, let alone think about teaching. When she graduated with a Law degree in 2010, she decided she wanted to teach students who may have faced similar challenges.
Teaching the Access to Law Level 3 qualification at Barking & Dagenham College, Sabeena worked in an area where students had little aspiration to enter the high skilled work force. As well as providing additional support to students, she explores new ways to make them realise their capability. She also uses the BDC Legal Clinic that she founded with the college three years ago to give students real-life client situations. Her learners respond to her positivity and encouragement, finally believing they can enjoy successful careers. The majority of Sabeena’s students pass her course and progress onto university to do their Law degree.
Sabeena commented on how she gives back to her students: “What I try and do is help them [my students] see that education becomes their escape. I try and support students by showing them if everything is wrong in your life, let studying be the one thing that is right for you.”
"At Barking & Dagenham College we are very proud of the impact we have on adult learners' lives. It's fantastic that one of our tutors is being recognised with a Festival of Learning award" said Bilal Bobat, Head of Adult Education & Skills at Barking & Dagenham College.
Stephen Evans, Chief Executive at Learning and Work Institute, said:
“Lifelong learning is crucial for all of us as jobs and society changes around us, and as the population ages. Festival of Learning is all about people being inspired by stories like Sabeena’s. We encourage everyone to get involved in learning and access information on learning opportunities and support with the costs of learning that might be available, such as through Advanced Learner Loans or from the National Careers Service, as well as talking to their local colleges and providers about what’s on offer”
You can watch a video telling Sabeena’s inspirational story on the College’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/barkingdagenhamcollege
