Nun named top learner at awards

Sep 20 2006 By Fay Winter, Wishaw Press

A WISHAW nun has been named as Scotland’s Older Learner of the Year at a glittering awards ceremony in Edinburgh.

Sister Martina Boylan (75), was presented with her award by Allan Wilson, Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning.

Over 60 champion learners attended the Learndirect Scotland event, which was hosted by media personality Shereen Nanjiani.

Sister Martina belongs to an order of St Augustine nuns based in Motherwell town.

She needed to learn IT skills to help her carry out her charity work in the Congo and Uganda more effectively.

Since learning at The Mezz at Motherwell College, Sister Martina has been using her new skills to raise awareness of and seek funding for projects in different parts of Africa.

She has also encouraged other people in her community, who are affected by loneliness, illness or bereavement, to go along to the Learndirect Scotland branded learning centre on Saturday mornings. They have learned new skills and made new friendships.

Anne Arnott of The Mezz, said: “Sister Martina had a wonderful approach to learning. She knew what she needed to learn to help her when she arrived at the learning centre and just went for it. Her new skills have meant she can work more efficiently and this has meant a great deal to her.

“She is an inspiration to other people, who have come to learning later in life, which is also a great achievement.”

Frank Pignatelli, chief executive of Learndirect Scotland, said: “I would like to congratulate Sister Martina on her achievements and the way she has overcome barriers to learning and is now encouraging others to do the same.

“Each year, thousands of people are discovering the benefits that learning can bring and our champions are wonderful examples of how learning can change lives.

“All the learners at the Celebration of Learning are winners, and those who received category awards are testament to how people can develop their personal and work-related skills through learning.”

For more information on the College’s Mezz tel: 01698 232425.

Sister Martina Boylan (centre) is congratulated on her success by Shereen Nanjiani and David Wilson in our photo above.

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