Learner Awards
Idea Store Learning today proudly hosted its annual Idea Store Learning Awards at Tower Hamlets Town Hall, bringing together learners, tutors, and support staff to celebrate their remarkable achievements and contributions to adult education in the borough.
The prestigious ceremony honoured excellence across four key categories, including the highly anticipated Inspirational Learner and Tutor of the Year awards. These accolades underscore Idea Store Learning’s unwavering commitment to championing the skills sector and raising awareness of vital learning opportunities for all who live and work in Tower Hamlets.
Faruk Miah MBE, Principal of Idea Store Learning, emphasised the significance of the event: “our annual awards highlight the fantastic achievements of our learners and staff, as well as the excellent contributions made by our support staff across the Council.
Living in the most challenging of times, it is more important than ever to ensure that Tower Hamlets residents are able to gain the skills they need to move into better jobs or improve their health and wellbeing. High quality adult learning is important to support Tower Hamlets residents to thrive and building a better, fairer and more prosperous community for everyone.”
Award Winners and Highly Commended Recipients:
Inspirational Learner of the Year 2025
WINNERS:
Eleni Shamarkou: Eleni was celebrated for her incredible resilience and personal growth through reconnecting with her artistic side, demonstrating how creative classes can be a mental health lifeline and foster valuable connections.
Nicholas Keeble: Nicholas was recognised for his quiet determination and thirst for learning, which led to him securing a new job, showcasing the profound impact of dedication in adult education.
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
Lene Milaa: Praised for her talent, passion, and positive influence in the classroom.
Akida Chowdhury: Honoured for her remarkable progress in digital literacy despite personal challenges, highlighting her journey from a beginner to confidently using various digital tools.
Inspirational Class of the Year 2025
WINNERS:
Tower Project Initiative: This award recognised the exceptional work of tutors in creating an inclusive learning experience for SEND learners, extending classroom practice into the world of work and commerce, and fostering personal growth and community participation.
ESOL E1 Class Y2936: This class was celebrated for their outstanding progress in English language acquisition, culminating in a successful initiative to advocate for recycling bins, demonstrating the power of their collective voice and real-world application of their skills.
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
C3296 Ballet Improvers: Recognised for its strong bonds, inclusive environment, and students' commitment to dance.
Y8847 Digital Skills: Commended for the learners' dedication and significant progress in digital skills despite initial challenges and limited resources.
Inspirational Support Service Individual or Team of the Year 2025
WINNER:
Raymond George: Ray was honoured for his exemplary facilities management at The Shadwell Centre, ensuring seamless operations and a positive environment for learners and staff through his proactive, helpful, and dedicated approach.
Inspirational Tutor of the Year 2025
WINNERS:
Eileen Wedderburn: Eileen received multiple nominations for her exceptional teaching abilities, profound positive impact, and unique ability to cultivate a strong sense of community, consistently inspiring her students to achieve beyond their perceived limitations.
Vicki Parrott: Vicki was recognised for her outstanding teamwork, sincerity, dedication, and positive impact on the Digital Team, demonstrating genuine care for both learners and colleagues.
HIGHLY COMMENDED:
Clementina Cross: Recognised for her meticulous approach to learner progression and her innovative use of IT in teaching.
Llyliam Garcia Miranda: Commended for her clever, patient, and resourceful teaching style, and her dedication to supporting learners, including through the implementation of blended learning.
Principals Award for Outstanding Contribution
WINNER:
Brian Birch: Brian was honoured for his outstanding 41-year career in education, including 15 impactful years at Idea Store Learning. His dedication to elevating the service's quality, fostering new skills, and his profound commitment to the community were highlighted as he prepares for retirement on August 31, 2025.
Idea Store Learning extends its heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients and nominees, whose dedication and hard work continue to inspire and uplift the community.