11 Salfordians have been recognised as ‘shining examples’ of adult learning.
Eccles Town hall hosted the Get Salford Learning Adult Awards ceremony 2025, where the Salford Learning City group and partners awarded 11 Salfordians, who have embraced adult learning.
The Adult Learner of the Year went to Grace Edge, who completed over 18 online courses as well as undertaking an administration work placement at Inspiring Communities Together CIC. Grace is now employed with a housing organisation.
Cllr Teresa Pepper, Lead Member for Skills, Work and Business Support at Salford City Council, said: “I would like to congratulate all of the nominees and ultimate winners. You are shining examples of what adult learning in Salford looks like.
“All learning is important and enriches and adds value to everyone’s lives. It doesn’t have to happen in a classroom and certainly doesn’t end when we leave the classroom!
“Arts, culture, dancing, singing, crafting, performing, cooking, learning a language, organising events, are all just as important as more conventional learning in the more traditional subjects and settings.”
The event also included the launch of the Big Salford Poem, a piece written by more than 100 adult learners from across the city.
The poem includes the voices of Salford people, cultural diversity, celebrated memories and the impact of learning.
John O’Neill, Creative Director at UP ‘ERE Productions and Cara McFarlane, an independent creative and performance artist also curated a video in line with the poem.
The Unsung Hero award went to Deborah Tesfaye, who came to Salford from Eritrea 18 years ago.
Deborah has learned English and launched the Salford Love Community Café, which is a hub for cultural exchange and learning. She supports refugees with food and clothing, runs homework clubs for Eritrean and Ethiopian families and has recently established the Selam Language and Culture Association as a charity.
The Braveheart award went to Michelle Mott, who has curated exhibitions, contributed to theatre programming and founded The Quiet Space, a group for neurodiverse young people.
The Jugglers award went to Erika Rusanovaite. Erika has completed English and parenting courses, become a peer mentor and helped launch Diversity Youth, which is a summer club for Special Educational Needs families. She now leads workshops and co-facilitates community arts projects. She juggles parenting, learning, and community leadership.
The Brilliance Beyond Labels award went to Bohdan Horobets, who is a Ukrainian refugee, mastered web development and game design. He led his team to victory during hackathon.
The Connector of the Year award went to Mei Kuen Choy, who has volunteered at over 40 events and leads multiple groups promoting employment and cultural integration. Her efforts to connect people and raise funds for young people led to her receiving this award.
The Stepping Stones award went to Maria Herrama, who had a difficult past, and rebuilt her life in Salford. She embraced learning, attending college and walking to classes to ensure she never missed a day. She said: “things will get better, one step at a time”
The Mike Thorpe Transformation award was won by Stacy McKeown, who has journeyed from unemployment to becoming a qualified social worker.
The Spark Award went to Bibiana De Souza, who has created community art projects, from wood carving to embroidery. Her works have been exhibited in The Lowry, and she encourages others to explore their talents.
The Unintentional Teacher award went to Adnan Khalaf, who arrived to Salford from Syria. He translated key information, helps with worksheets and provides a welcoming environment for other learners.
The Learning Without Walls award was won by Lamya Habash, who started learning English and practices it everywhere, she volunteers to gain real-life experience and has ambitions of opening a beauty salon.
John O’Neill, Creative Director at UP ‘ERE Productions and Cara McFarlane, an independent creative and performance artist also curated a video in line with the poem.
