Awon Golding
Kensington And Chelsea College Helps Celebrate Adult Learning In The Borough!
As celebrations for Adult Learners' Week 2010 gather pace, Kensington and Chelsea College had its very own adult learning success story to champion.
The college, which is backing the national event being held from May 15-21, recently celebrated the achievement of adult learner Awon Golding who triumphed at a national design competition.
Awon, on the College's HNC Millinery course, designed and created a hat that earned her a first place win for the 2010 Feltmakers Design Award, organised by the Worshipful Company of Feltmakers of London.
The ambitious student beat entrants from across the UK to win the coveted title and £1200 prize money. Her design of three diamonds perched on top of each other, made from felt was inspired by 1920's architecture and will now be the showpiece at a gala dinner for the competition winners.
Awon was previously working as a magazine editor in her native Hong Kong before giving up her role to pursue her dream of becoming a hat designer. Now based in West London, she says the millinery course at Kensington and Chelsea College gave her the "confidence to push her creativity".
The 29-year-old said of her win: "I was ecstatic when I found out I had won. It's my first ever major award and I'm really proud. My family are insanely happy about it and can't stop telling their friends. Having put so much creative thought, time and effort into producing the final design, it's now great to see my vision being appreciated by others. The award is a brilliant opportunity for exposure in the industry and to get my name out there, which ultimately is what all designers want!"
Speaking about her future plans and studying at the college Awon added: "I would love to have my own business one day but I know there will be lots of work and learning to come before I get that far! Studying at the college has been a great experience. I'm surrounded by likeminded creative people and the tutors are always on hand to give support. It's made coming back to education a far easier process."
Awon is one of many high achieving adult learners at Kensington and Chelsea College. The college is supporter of Adult Learner's Week 2010 and has organised a number of FREE events to mark the occasion. From learning the basics of D.I.Y to a master-class in applying make-up, the college has an activity to suit all. Find out more about the sessions on offer for Adult Learners' Week 2010
