‘Inspirational’ Valerie named CollegeVolunteer of Year

Valerie Jamison, a volunteer tutor on the Essential Skills programme at SERC. was recently presented with the special award in recognition of her unstinting efforts.

Without payment or any recompense, she willingly gives up her time to assist students in need of help, and the college said without her support many of the students would not achieve their goal.

Recognising the importance of volunteers within the College it was decided that a special award be presented to Valerie at the recent SERC Excellence Awards.

Announcing her award Principal and Chief Executive of SERC Ken Webb commented; “This lady is an excellent example of how one person can inspire, transform and enrich the lives of others. Whilst we all get paid to turn up to work, she doesn’t, her motivation is helping others achieve their goals and better their lives – she is an inspiration to us all.

“This individual has been a volunteer tutor on the essential skills programme for the past seven years. This award is recognition for the time and effort she puts in and a big thank you from all of us at SERC.”

During her time volunteering for SERC Valerie has worked with a variety of learners, some who have suffered from learning difficulties, and with her support the students have successfully progressed from entry level qualifications to level 2 awards. She has undergone training to assist with in supporting students and developing a comfortable learning environment for all.

Essential Skills tutor Christine Andrews said; “She is a lovely person, has a genuine interest in the students and gets on well with them all. She is my right arm on a Monday evening and thoroughly deserves this recognition for the work she has done in enhancing the learning experience of our adult students over the years.”