Aspiration Awards 2025: Learner of the Year highly commended (Adult Learner) - Monuwara Bibi

The Learner of the Year category recognises individuals who are developing themselves through vocational qualifications from NCFE and making positive improvements to their lives. This year’s highly commended winner is Monuwara Bibi from Oldham Lifelong Learning. 

A new chapter  

Monuwara joined Oldham Lifelong Learning Service in 2018 after deciding it was time to return to learning and build a future career in education. Her ambition was to gain qualifications that would help her support children in schools. 

After 16 years away from employment, during which time she raised her five children and cared for her father full time, Monuwara started her journey with English, maths and ICT. She successfully achieved the qualifications needed to move onto her next steps. 

Learning with purpose 

Monuwara progressed onto the Oldham Lifelong Learning Volunteer Pathway. This included completing the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties and council-led training in safeguarding and health and safety – helping prepare her to support learners in the classroom. 

Alongside this, she enrolled on the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning. As part of the course, she completes a two-day-a-week work placement at a local primary school, where she has received excellent feedback from staff and pupils alike. 

Speaking about the course, Monuwara said: “I chose to do this course to support me with my Level 2 Teaching Assistant Course and working with SEN, SEND children and adults. 

“I have applied the knowledge I gained from this qualification within my work placement at St Hilda’s C.E. Primary School. I enjoy learning about the different conditions, and it has given me insight into misconceptions that surround SEND. At my placement, I have applied this knowledge and found it equipped me with the right skills.” 

A role model in her community 

Monuwara also volunteers in ESOL classes based in one of Oldham’s most deprived areas. Her attendance and punctuality are excellent, and she is known for her commitment, focus and supportive nature. 

She is a role model to her family and her wider community, encouraging others to see education as a way to progress and give back. She added: “Since I started studying, my self-confidence has grown, and my mental health and mental wellbeing has improved dramatically.” 

Looking ahead 

With her qualifications now complete, Monuwara has started applying for teaching assistant roles. Her learning has given her the skills and experience to take this next step confidently. 

She concludes: “Now that I have completed the course, I have started applying for teaching assistant jobs and have found this specific qualification has given me an advantage over other candidates.” 

Monuwara hopes to work with children with special educational needs in a school setting. Her journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to learn something new and change your future. 

Congratulations Monuwara! To read more inspirational stories from this year's award winners, visit our Aspiration Awards 2025 page.   

Pictured: Our Learner of the Year (Adult Learner) highly commended, Monuwara Bibi, receives her award from Dr Rebecca Conway (L), Director of Research and Innovation at NCFE