Kirklees College student runner-up at WYCA Awards

Kirklees College ESOL student Mamadou Balde has recently been named runner-up in the English Language Learner category at the WYCA Adult Learner Awards.

The West Yorkshire Adult Learner Awards, hosted by Mayor Tracy Brabin and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, celebrates the achievements of adult learners aged 19 and over who transform their lives through education, training, and skills development.

Celebrating Mamadou’s progress and achievements

Mamadou first joined the college in 2024 and has progressed through several different courses thanks to the guidance of his supportive tutors.

Despite challenges along the way, he persevered and used the English skills he developed with us to secure employment. What started as a commitment to learning English has opened up opportunities that once felt out of reach.

Kristina Bedford, Adult Skills Manager at Kirklees College, spoke with great pride about Mamadou, saying: “Mamadou’s story perfectly captures the life-changing impact of adult learning. It shows how new skills, confidence, and determination can change lives, create opportunities, and help people achieve things they never thought possible.”