A former ESOL student from Afghanistan and an artist who rebuilt her life through adult learning are among this year’s finalists in the Mayor of London Adult Learning Awards. Laila Sardar and Elise Harrison are among those shortlisted for the annual awards which will be held at City Hall on 12 November. Sardar arrived in London in 2009 speaking little to no English. She enrolled on an English for Speakers of Other Languages course (ESOL) at West Thames College, progressed to beauty therapy and hairdressing qualifications, then returned to study health and social care. She now works with vulnerable people in hospitals and homes. Sardar has encouraged her sister, who also moved from Afghanistan to the UK, to enrol on an ESOL course at the college. “Studying at West Thames College changed my life,” Sardar said. “I hope my sister will have the same opportunities that education has given me.” Harrison joined Westminster Adult Education Service in 2023 while rebuilding her life following alcohol dependency. She has since exhibited and sold her artwork, secured an internship and found a job supporting people affected by substance misuse and mental health difficulties. “Adult education has changed my life. It has shown me that it is never too late to start again,” she said. Another finalist, Laila Hussain Shah, went from having little confidence in her English or digital skills to becoming a care worker after studying with Urban Care Community. She was promoted to team leader within four months and now helps train new recruits. Among the tutors shortlisted is City Lit’s Alex Thomas, who leads a percussion orchestra for adults with learning disabilities. The orchestra, which works with the Royal Academy of Music, performed at last year’s awards ceremony. Westminster Adult Education Service’s Adam Walker is recognised for developing an immersive learning room where adults with special educational needs can practise everyday situations. Fellow finalist Ali Kanu, a welfare and safeguarding officer at the same service, helps learners access support from housing, healthcare and community organisations. New award announced This year there is a new award for participation and excellence in higher education, while the outreach and engagement category has been widened to recognise organisations working in housing, health and other community services. The new higher education category includes London South Bank University Group, recognised for routes from college into degree-level study and work, and the University of East London’s information, advice and guidance service, which supports more than 4,500 Londoners a year, including mature and ESOL learners. Other finalists include housing association Peabody, which has supported more than 270 apprentices since 2023, and Teen Action, which works with education providers to help Charedi women access adult learning. Since the awards began in 2022, they have attracted more than 1,000 nominations and recognised over 90 winners and finalists. This year the awards received 205 nominations across 10 categories, recognising learners, tutors, non-teaching staff, employers and education providers. Films featuring previous winners will be shown at this year’s ceremony. Last year’s winners included Syrian refugee-turned-business student Hamzeh Mouallem and Ukrainian refugee-turned-ESOL tutor Iryna Hura. Ascentis is the lead sponsor, with educational charity and technical and vocational awarding organisation NCFE joining for the first time this year. FE Week is the media partner.