Two learners from Llanbradach and Penyrheol have been recognised for their educational efforts.
Marilyn Llewellyn, a 65-year-old grandmother, and Cherokee Jones, a 24-year-old single mother, have each been presented with an Inspire award
The awards celebrate the achievements of exceptional individuals, projects and organisations who have shown passion, commitment and drive to improve themselves, their community or workplace through learning, often in the face of difficult circumstances.
Marilyn, from Penyrheol, was given an Inspire! Award for her successes in learning the Welsh language so she could help her grandchildren with their school homework.
She said learning Welsh was “the best thing” she’s ever done.
When she started learning Welsh three years ago, she knew a handful of words, but she now uses it every day, can count to 500, and when her daughter got married, she gave her wedding speech to the couple in Welsh.
“From the first class, I realised I could understand more Welsh than I thought,” said the 65-year-old, who had a rich start to language – she was born in Nairobi as her father served in the Army, where she learned and spoke some Swahili, and she’s lived in Malaysia and Germany.
“I moved to Wales when I was 11 but at my school Welsh wasn’t seen as important and I was able to drop it to study French. When I had my two children I planned to learn it for them, but life is busy and you forget. I bought an expensive Welsh language course on cassette and never got it out of the box.”
Three years ago returned to her ambition as her grandchildren, Ffion, 11, and Morgan, eight, were being taught at a Welsh medium school and she wanted to help them with their homework.
She saw an advert in Caerphilly Library for a Welsh course and signed up.
Last year, after completing a Foundation Course, Marilyn passed her WJEC access exam.
She’s volunteered at the National Eisteddfod of Wales, and she regularly attends residential courses including an annual one in Lampeter, and plans to continue learning so that she becomes fluent.
Marilyn received the Starting Out – Welsh Learners award during a ceremony in Cardiff on Wednesday, June 6.
Also honoured was single mother Cherokee Jones.
Less than two years ago, Cherokee was depressed, anxious and wondering how she was going to provide for her family.
Now the 24-year-old, who was brought up in care, has won a major award in recognition of her dedication to learning against the odds.
The single mum was looking after a toddler, with another baby on the way, when she found herself feeling unable to cope.
“My life was a mess,” said Cherokee, from Llanbradach.
“So many things were going wrong in my life that it felt like a losing battle.”
Cherokee was four months pregnant and living with her partner of almost seven years and their two-year-old when her partner left.
“My life completely changed overnight and I was heartbroken,” she said.
“I put a brave face on for the kids and they were looked after, but inside, I was crumbling.”
Cherokee was suffering with extreme pregnancy sickness daily and was prescribed anti-nausea tablets by her GP to help her cope with the difficult pregnancy.
“Looking after a newborn on my own wasn’t the start I had planned,” said Cherokee.
“I got on with it and we always had food on the table but when money started to become a problem, I felt like I was losing control and struggling to keep up.
“My life had changed so much that I found it hard to cope with everyday things.
“I was struggling with money and my self-esteem and confidence were really low.”
Last autumn, when her baby was one, Cherokee spotted a job advert about a paid placement with training provider Educ8, based in Ystrad Mynach.
“I called them and they asked me to come in for an interview that day,” said Cherokee, mum to Mason, 18-months-old and Jack, four.
“I’ve never looked back. They helped me adjust and to balance work with family life. I was able to learn and work at the same time and I could work my hours around school pick-ups and childcare.”
Cherokee, who is also an approved foster carer, received training on several courses from first aid to money management and digital literacy and was soon offered a permanent job with the company.
She now works three days a week as an information officer, helping other people find or return to work and training others on courses including healthy relationships and dignity and respect.
Cheroke was honoured with the Into Work Inspire! Award.