Olive Cordell learner of the year winner Razuiai Bibi with WEA General Secretary Richard Bolsin.

The first winners of the new Olive Cordell annual awards scheme, for learners and tutors of WEA Skills for Life courses, were said to be delighted as they received a certificate and a prize of £200 each. Skills for Life Learner of the Year, Razuiai Bibi, and Tutor of the Year Sarah Edwards, were chosen amongst nominees from all over the country to take home the top prizes, at a presentation ceremony in Birmingham.

Razuiai has won the Olive Cordell Skills for Life Learner of the Year Award for her inspiring achievements since returning to learning in January 2008. After her mother died, Razuiai had to raise her nine younger brothers and sisters at the age of thirteen. As a result of this Razuiai left school with no qualifications having been unable to attend classes through most of her teens.

Since returning to learn at a WEA Everyday Maths class held after hours at her local primary school in inner-city Birmingham, Razuiai has progressed on to two more numeracy courses and is now studying for a childcare qualification involving 300 hours of voluntary work in school. Now that her own three children have started school, Razuiai feels that this is her time for learning. She is very ambitious and has her life from now on mapped out.

Olive Cordell tutor of the year winner Sarah Edwards with General Secretary Richard Bolsin.

Razuiai's tutor Alison Clamp says, "Razuiai puts all of us to shame! Other students, and myself, are inspired by her dedication. When students feel they cannot put time to a task they look at the way Razuiai manages her time and realise they can do it. She always tries to help others in the class and I have never heard her complain or criticise. "

Sarah won the Olive Cordell Skills for Life Tutor of the Year Award for the impact her teaching has had on the lives of the learners who attend her courses in and around Whitehaven, Cumbria. After attending a WEA 'Helping in Schools' course to help support her children, Sarah began teaching and soon developed a keen interest in becoming more involved in local community activities and, having undertaken Skills for Life training, she now teaches courses which aim to increase the self-confidence and self-esteem of people who would otherwise struggle to make the most of learning opportunities.

WEA Learning Manager Julie Ballantyne says, "Many learners have told me of the impact Sarah's courses had on their lives. She inspires learners to reach their potential personally and professionally. Many continue learning with the WEA and other providers, and some go on to get jobs in areas they had thought were beyond their reach."

The WEA was able to set up the Olive Cordell Awards and pay a prize to each winner thanks to a legacy left by Olive Cordell, who was herself a community studies tutor.