Two former Cardiff and Vale College learners, Javier Griffiths-Payne and Yassmein Hussein have won Inspire! Adult Learning Awards for their commitment to lifelong learning.
After leaving school at the age of 14 with no formal qualifications, Javier Griffiths-Payne returned to learning a decade later. Just two years on, he has secured a place to study medicine at the University of Bristol, proving that it is never too late to change the course of your life.
Having learnt about Access courses at a CAVC Open Evening, Javier enrolled on the College’s level 2 Access to Further Study course, alongside a GCSE in English with the Open University.
“I really had my heart set on a career in medicine but, with no qualifications, it was very hard to find what I needed as a mature student in my situation,” he recalled.
“After the open day, I gained a clearer understanding of the goal I had set for myself by discussing the different pathways I could take.
“It felt very welcoming to learn in an environment in which I was not alienated because of my lack of formal education, as this was one of my biggest worries about returning as a mature student.”
He secured an A grade in Higher Mathematics and the highest possible grades in his Level 3 Access to Higher Education: Bioscience qualification. The intensive, one-year course, which featured chemistry, biology and biochemistry, alongside modules in study skills and communication, helped him secure a place at the University of Bristol.
Throughout his studies, Javier provided care for his disabled grandfather as well as captaining Team Wales in competitive video gaming during the Counter-Strike International Esports Federation (IESF) World Championship qualifiers.
Encouraging others who left school without qualifications to return to learning, he said: “It is never too late to start again. If someone had told my younger self that I would be studying medicine at university, I would have said they were joking! But here I am. I’ll never stop learning!”
Kathleen Weatherhead, CAVC Access to HE course tutor and science teacher, said: “Javier is an exemplary learner. Over the past couple of years, he has demonstrated time and again the genuine enthusiasm of a mature learner enjoying the opportunity to study and to take advantage of every opportunity that prepares him for higher education.”
Yassmein Hussein is making a valuable contribution to the Cardiff community where she lives as she strives to improve her skills, confidence and knowledge through adult learning.
Over the past two years, the young mother of two has completed 13 adult learning courses with CAVC and Cardiff Council. Some relate to learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, family learning, stress management and science.
She now hopes to do child psychology and business courses. Before arriving in Wales, she achieved a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy and a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy in Egypt.
“Because obtaining the equivalent certificate here in the UK is not easy, I decided to look for another way to support my children during their educational journey, as maintaining a stable and integrated family within the community is my top priority,” explained Yassmein.
Adult learning courses in Wales have improved Yassmein’s English and helped to achieve her family and community goals.
To share knowledge and experiences gained from the courses, she has formed a Facebook group which supports mothers of neurodivergent children, especially in her native Egypt. She also promotes adult education to other mums.
Responding to winning the award, Yassmein said: “I am so excited and proud to have won this award. I feel it’s a reward for all my hard work on adult learning courses over the past three years.
“The main reason I joined adult learning was that, when I moved to the UK more than three years ago, I wanted to be part of the community.
“People have been so welcoming since we arrived in Wales and CAVC and Cardiff Council are so supportive. Currently, I am developing a community-focused bakery idea to create a space where women, especially mothers, can learn baking and other handmade skills to help them start small home businesses.”
Inspired by volunteering as a baker at The Hive in St Mellons, she has started her own small home business, baking cookies and cakes. She also volunteers with Common/Wealth Sounding Board, a community-led creative project in Cardiff.
“I am a different person now compared to when I first arrived in the UK - still with the same passion and ambition, but with greater awareness and a stronger love for knowledge and community work,” added Yassmein, whose husband, Ahmed, is an orthopaedic surgeon in Cardiff.
Award nominator, Mags Richmond, Cardiff and Vale College Family Learning tutor, describes Yassmein as an “inspirational learner” who is making a valuable contribution to her community.
“Yassmein has big dreams for the future and she’s an example of what a person can achieve with the right support and opportunities,” she said. “Her approach means that she is helping inspire her own children’s learning and providing obvious encouragement to all those around her.”
Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Cefin Campbell MS, said: "Yassmein's story is a wonderful example of the wider benefits of adult learning. Through her commitment to learning, she has developed new skills, built her confidence and become an active contributor to her local community.
“What makes her achievement particularly inspiring is the way she is using her knowledge and experience to support others, both here in Wales and beyond. Her journey shows how learning can bring people together, create opportunities and help build stronger, more connected communities.
“As we prepare to celebrate Adult Learners' Week, Yassmein's story reminds us that learning can be transformative at any stage of life and can have a positive impact far beyond the individual learner."
A highlight of Adult Learners’ Week in Wales, the Inspire! awards recognise those who have demonstrated a commitment to never stop learning. The awards are co-ordinated by Learning and Work Institute with support from the Welsh Government.
Each Inspire! Award winner demonstrates how learning can offer second chances, help create new career opportunities, build confidence and help communities become vibrant and successful.
Cardiff and Vale College Principal Sharon James-Evans said: “Congratulations to Javier and Yassmein! Their commitment to making a difference through lifelong learning make them both extremely deserving winner of these awards.”