Keighley College student Rubina Ismail has received a National Adult Learners' Week Award in recognition of her tremendous contribution to learning, both as a positive role model and a champion of learning in her community.

The award has been given by the National Institute for Adult Continuing Education.

Rubina arrived in Keighley 10 years ago with no knowledge of English and was the first married woman from her community to enter education, first to learn English and then to study for other qualifications.

She is currently coming to the successful conclusion of a BTEC National Diploma in Caring Services (Social Care) and hopes to progress further, training as a social worker.

As well as studying on her course and caring for her family, Rubina also works as a bi-lingual speech therapy assistant for Airedale Hospital and does voluntary work with Roshni Ghar, a mental health project for Asian women.

Vera Ostojic, Rubina's tutor, said of this remarkable student: "Rubina's experiences have enormously benefited other people. She works as an interpreter and an advocate on behalf of vulnerable people both on a paid and voluntary basis.

"People look upon Rubina as a role model in a number of different ways. She combines parenting, paid and voluntary work with studying and still manages to achieve excellent results.

"Rubina is an inspiration to other students, especially other Asian women, who come here after marriage and have little to look forward to educationally.

"By challenging cultural barriers, Rubina has become a powerful role model and has encouraged under-represented groups to attend college, to recognise their potential through learning and the value of education in promoting independence, quality of life, self esteem and confidence."

Rubina, whose son Junaid Ismail will be two-years-old in September, said of the 'college experience': "I feel I am a confident and mature person now having gained experience and qualifications working with people. Education has made me to come to terms with my own life and culture and has enabled me to fight discrimination on behalf of others.

"The learning experience has made me a different person with life choices previously denied, now a reality.

"My future plans include social work training at a local university. I want to be a social worker and gain professional skills to help my community more effectively.

"I want to help people who have been in a similar position to me, who still have cultural and language barriers restricting their freedom and choices."

Rubina will receive her national award at a ceremony at Leeds Playhouse on Sunday (21 May) and will also be honoured as part of the Keighley Adult Learners' Week celebrations in Keighley Town Hall Square tomorrow (20 May).

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