2024 Adult Learners Week Scholarship winners

Meet the four outstanding adult learners who are this year’s scholarship winners.

John Lindsay, South Australia

61-year-old River Ngarrindjeri man, John Lindsay, really liked being at school but always struggled with learning – “I could never concentrate on anything”. Despite not being able to read or write, John moved from primary to secondary school before deciding it was time to “leave nd go to work”.

John then spent the next 30 years working different jobs, including grave digging, house repairs, and council work. He also became a leader within his community and it was his responsibilities – and his daughter’s urging – that led him to the Tauondi Aboriginal College in Port Adelaide. Deciding to start the College’s Skill Up program, John found that he loved learning and the culturally safe space in which Tauondi operates. He also found a whole new world had opened through becoming used to operating a computer.

Now studying a Certificate I in Access to Vocational Pathways, John wants to continue learning and developing skills so that he can continue to contribute to the needs of his community. As a respected Aboriginal mentor, John is also supporting others while they study at Tauondi and showing them that you can learn at any age.

Kirsty Marshall, Victoria

Kirsty Marshall says taking part in the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s Sustaining Economic Empowerment and Dignity for Women (SEED) program is the “best thing I’ve ever done in my life”. Having survived domestic abuse, Kirsty said the program, which provides financial coaching and access to educational programs, training opportunities and employment assistance, has “pulled me out of my shell and given me confidence again”.

Kirsty was convinced that Samantha Hugill, the Brotherhood’s Project Coordinator, was “pulling my leg” when she rang to tell her that she had won a scholarship. “I was completely shocked and just kept saying what, what are you talking about. I still can’t believe it”.

Joining the SEED program earlier this year, Kirsty worked conscientiously to find ways back into paid employment after a two decade break followed setbacks in her early learning and family life. Later, the relationship affected by family violence also prevented her from continuing a career in the support and care sector.

Kirsty’s progress led to her graduating from the SEED leadership program, Change Makers. Through Change Makers, participants learn to write and are coached into presenting their Significant Change story publicly. She is now engaged in a six month certificate course which, she hopes, will help her return to being a personal care worker in aged care.

Tahnee Baker, NSW

When Tahnee Baker found out that she had won a scholarship, there was only one place she wanted to be to celebrate – the Tamworth Community College which, she says, has given her a renewed sense of purpose and confidence and the skills to pursue a new career.

Tahnee’s commitment to her adult education journey is exceptional. Just two weeks into starting a Certificate III in Business so that she could transition from a hands-on work background, Tahnee suffered a stroke.

This life-altering event would have caused many people to withdraw from their studies. However, Tahnee missed only one week and immediately arranged a catch-up session with her trainer. Despite ongoing challenges with her vision and the physical strain of sitting for extended periods, Tahnee completed her qualification at the same time as her classmates and has since completed short courses in time management, effective communication, resumé writing and interview techniques.

Finding that the structure and flexibility of the course allowed her to balance her responsibilities as a mother, Tahnee now feels empowered to strive for more for herself and as a role model for her daughter.

Jypsey-Lee Banfield-Patterson, Northern Territory

Finding out that she had won a scholarship was a very welcome boost for Jypsey-Lee, a young mum who is working hard to study so she can achieve her employment goals and build a future for her and her daughter.

Dyslexia and learning difficulties affected Jypsey-Lee’s enjoyment of school. However, since starting an adult learning journey as a young mum, she has come to understand that she learns differently from others, rather than not being able to learn.

Beginning her community services certificate course when her daughter was only two months old, Jypsey is now one of NT’s Batchelor Institute’s most reliable students. While classes start at 9.30am two days per week, Jypsey arrives at 7.30am to set up the classroom – often after a 25 minute walk to get there.

With her daughter now in child care and knowing now that she can complete all her work before other students, Jypsey is now thinking about professional jobs that she could get – particularly the type of jobs that will enable her to draw on her transferable skills and lived experience. At this stage, she is thinking of becoming a sexual health nurse or an alcohol and other drugs counsellor.

Learning Changes Lives Foundation prizes
The Learning Changes Lives Foundation – ALA’s charitable organisation – supports the people who need it most to gain access to the life-changing capacity of education.

In 2024, six recipients received prizes funded by the Foundation during Adult Learners Week. Read about these learners here..