Adult learners will finally get a chance to be recognized for their diligence and motivation this week from 7 September till 13 September.

The annual event, usually celebrated around September, involves an awards ceremony for by the Waikato University Vice Chancellor and activities organized by the WSU and the university’s Adult Learners’ Week Committee. The Adult Learners Weeks is an event initiated by UNESCO with the aim of supporting and recognizing adult learners. Across the country, in over 30 regions, similar celebrations and activities will be held during this week.

The university in conjunction with the Adult Community Education Aotearoa organization will be repeating its annual celebrations, this time incorporating as well the International Literacy Day on September 8. The theme for the year is ‘Learn for Today and Tomorrow’ thus emphasizing the importance and benefits of studying now in order to expand one’s opportunities in the future. This theme is even more important now, in light of the economic hardships that many who are already working are facing.

Mature and Disabilities Director, Dave Snell, wants students to realise the role of Adult Learners. “I think it’s important to recognise some of the difficulties that Adult Learners face in returning to university and to celebrate the achievements that they’ve made which is why WSU supports adult learners week and why we have our own awards for students with children.” 

According to statistics available on the website for Adult Community Education Aotearoa, adult learner numbers have skyrocketed with an estimated 400,000 people participating in various forms of adult community or university education. This year those numbers have only increased.

The Vice Chancellor’s Adult Learners’ Award which will be presented in the middle of the week is targeted at rewarding the countless of adult learners that have shown the courage to return to university and take up a degree. Often many adult learners also support several children and families while also working in side jobs. The awards include monetary funding for the successful recipients and will be presented at a special ceremony. Last year 4 adult learners were awarded with the Vice Chancellor awards.

Details concerning the Adult Learners Week will be released closer to the date, but students can always contact the WSU for updates.