A group of exceptional ESOL, Access to HE and HND Fashion learners at Kingston College were recognised at Kingston Rotary Adult Achievement Awards on Tuesday evening, attended by the Mayor of Kingston upon Thames, Councillor Noel Hadjimichael. The awards, which took place in the Queen Anne Suite in the Guildhall, is an annual event which celebrates the achievements of adults in the borough who may have experienced hardships in life but still managed to succeed in education.
Of the Access to Art & Design and HND Fashion students, tutor Emily Limna commented: “We are very proud of our Access to HE Art & Design and HND Fashion learners who were presented with Rotary Club Adult Achievement Awards at the Guildhall yesterday evening by the Mayor of Kingston. The students were nominated for their incredibly creative, determined and hardworking approach throughout their studies, and it was wonderful to celebrate their achievements together!
“Their beautiful prints, garments and architectural models can be seen at our Creative Industries Summer Show on Wednesday 16 June 3pm-7pm at our Creative Industries Centre, 55 Richmond Road, KT2 5BP. All welcome!"
Read more about a few of the Adult ESOL students who received awards:
Adult ESOL student, Oksana, is a Ukrainian student who came to the UK two years ago due to the war. Despite personal hardships -including separation from her son, the loss of her father, cancer treatment, and trauma - Oksana has shown extraordinary resilience. With degrees in journalism, directing, pedagogy, and psychology, she is not only a talented artist and poet but also a kind, supportive classmate. Her strength, warmth and determination make her an inspiration have made her a joy to teach.
Adult ESOL student, Erisa, originally from Albania has shown outstanding determination, progressing from the Bridging class to Level 1 and achieving excellent results. Despite personal responsibilities, including helping care for relatives’ children, she remains dedicated to her studies and supports her peers - recently volunteering as a speaking partner for a classmate. Erisa’s resilience, compassion and commitment make her truly deserving of recognition.
Adult ESOL student, Inna, originally from Ukraine, is a highly accomplished dermatologist who fled to the UK with her daughter at the start of the war. Despite being separated from her family and adapting to a new country, she has shown extraordinary resilience—studying English intensively while continuing to lecture and consult patients in Ukraine via telemedicine. Her dedication, strength, and unwavering positivity have inspired everyone around her.
Gloria, originally from Peru, is a former Microsoft manager who, after becoming severely visually impaired due to Multiple Sclerosis, has shown remarkable resilience. She became an advocate for others through her work with the RNIB, speaking at major institutions including the House of Lords. Now studying ESOL Level 2 at Kingston College, she continues to show exceptional determination, passing exams with enthusiasm despite ongoing health challenges. Gloria is an inspiring role model for others with disabilities.
