NIACE, the National Organisation for Adult Learning has opened the nominations for the annual awards it gives to adult learners in England and Wales who have overcome obstacles to return to formal learning.

The ALW Awards 2001 will be presented to people "who have shown special effort to return to learning and whose experiences could inspire others to take part", and will be presented during Adult Learners’ Week (ALW), which next year will take place from 12 to 18 May 2001. Awards will also be made for the Senior Learner of the Year, to recognise the learning achievements of one individual aged 50 or over (resident in England only), and for a group of learners. Winners will receive learning vouchers worth £100 (£500 for the group award).

Anyone can nominate a learner for an award. Nominees need to show how the learning experiences they have gained have benefitted themselves and/or the lives of others. Entry is open to any adult over 21 on 12 January 2001 (or over 50 for the senior award, or any adult aged 19-21 who has had a break of three years or more from full-time study.

Application forms are available on the NIACE website in pdf. format (requiring Adobe Acrobat to read). Alternatively send an e-mail requesting information to enquiries@niace.org.uk or enquiries@niacecy.demon.co.uk in Wales. The closing date for receipt of completed forms is Friday 12 January 2001.