A Boroughbridge mother who fled the war in Ukraine has been recognised at North Yorkshire Council's annual adult learning awards after rebuilding her life and launching a new career.
Olha Honcharuk received the Employability and Work Readiness Award after completing a series of council-run courses that helped her improve her English, gain qualifications and secure a job as a finance officer at Boroughbridge Primary School.
Olha arrived in the UK in December 2022 with her two young children and her mother after being forced to flee Ukraine following Russia's invasion.
After settling in Boroughbridge, she enrolled on English language courses before progressing to achieve a Level 3 qualification in accounting.
She now works at Boroughbridge Primary School and plans to continue her professional development by studying towards a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification.
Speaking after receiving the award, Olha said:
"When I arrived in the UK, everything was new and unfamiliar. I had to rebuild my life with my children and mother from the beginning.
"The council's courses gave me the opportunity to improve my English, gain valuable qualifications and, most importantly, build my confidence.
"The support I received from tutors helped me progress from being new to the country to working and planning the next stage of my career.
"Winning this award is a real honour and shows that with the right support and determination, it is possible to create new opportunities and achieve your goals."
North Yorkshire Council's annual adult learning awards celebrate residents who have developed new skills, changed careers or improved their wellbeing through adult education.
Councillor Annabel Wilkinson, the council's executive member for education, learning and skills, said:
"Whether it is helping someone rebuild their life in a new country, developing skills for employment, or giving people the confidence to achieve their full potential, adult learning creates opportunities and changes lives.
"I would encourage anyone who is thinking about developing their skills or exploring a new career path to take a look at the courses available which are both online and face-to-face."
Since August last year, North Yorkshire Council's adult learning and skills service has supported more than 3,050 residents through more than 6,000 course enrolments, covering subjects including English, maths, digital skills and accounting.
Hundreds of new courses are due to begin across North Yorkshire from September, with online, in-person and hybrid learning options available. Around 92% of learners are eligible to access courses free of charge.
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