INSPIRING Vale of Glamorgan tutor, Sarian Thomas-Jones, of Dysgu Cymraeg y Fro /Learn Welsh the Vale has been named as a Tutor of the Year.

Ms Thomas-Jones is one of the tutors featured in this year’s Inspire Adult Awards.

She received the award in a special ceremony at the University of South Wales’ Cardiff Campus hosted by TV and Radio presenter Nia Parry on Tuesday November 7.

The awards are organised by the Learning and Work Institute, advocates of adult learning in Wales, to celebrate the commitment, knowledge and communication skills that inspire adult learners every day across Wales.

She is currently a full-time Welsh tutor and having learned the language as an adult she is living proof of the life changing potential of adult learning, after changing direction to pursue a career in teaching Welsh in the community.

She returned to learning after the birth of her daughter and came back into work as a result of taking a Welsh class to help her son with his homework.

She is now a full-time Welsh language tutor.

One of her learners, on a beginners’ Welsh course at Palmerston Community Learning Centre, in Barry, was not able to continue attending the evening class, due to her health needs.

Ms Thomas-Jones was asked by the Learn Welsh manager to provide individual sessions for her, so that she could continue her progress.

The learner said: “Sarian encourages me to come every week to class, and even when I don’t feel up to it, I make the effort to come because I find it relaxing and enjoyable. If I don’t attend on Saturday she contacts me to check that I am well. When I have treatment in hospital Sarian uses Skype to talk to me and enable me to practice speaking Welsh. I have difficulty with relationships and group environments, and am often anxious and stressed. Sarian prepares all lessons especially for me. She provides written materials on yellow paper in a large font, and is creative in adapting activities to appeal to me and help me to learn. She uses large dice and devises games to practice words and phrases. I have even started doing homework, which Sarian sends me on email.”

Ms Thomas-Jones said, “Learning something new gives the individual focus and confidence that they can carry into other parts of their lives and work. It also gives them the skills that they need to learn, to communicate and to socialise.”