We are proud to announce that our learner Rasha won the Learner Award at the Ascentis 50th Anniversary Lifetime Learning Awards, recognising her exceptional achievement, resilience, and dedication to lifelong learning and community service.
Rasha successfully completed the Ascentis Award in Volunteering at Level 1 and Level 2 during the 2024–25 academic year, all while completing her Entry 3 ESOL qualification and progressing rapidly into Level 1. She consistently demonstrated exemplary commitment, producing work of the highest standard and contributing positively and enthusiastically to every class. Tutors across the college consistently describe her as a joy to teach and an asset to any learning environment.
Rasha achieved these accomplishments while navigating significant personal challenges. After receiving her Indefinite Leave to Remain in the Country status in August 2024, she and her three children remained in one hotel room until April 2025. Despite these difficult living conditions, Rasha maintained outstanding attendance, completed all homework on time, and approached every class with determination and positivity. Alongside her own studies, she supported her children with their schoolwork and volunteered regularly at a local Homework Club for refugee children, assisting both young learners and adults developing their English skills.
In the current academic year, Rasha continues her ESOL Level 1 studies and has further expanded her contribution to the community. Drawing on her volunteering qualifications, she now provides invaluable classroom support in a pre-entry ESOL class at New Directions College. The class tutor describes her as indispensable. Rasha has also stepped forward to assist a newly arrived family from Kuwait, acting as an interpreter to help them settle into their local school community. A former teacher in her home country, Rasha is committed to rebuilding her professional path in the UK.
She will begin her Award in Education and Training (AET) teaching qualification in November, continuing to set ambitious goals for herself as she works toward becoming an educator once again. Rasha’s journey is a testament to extraordinary resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others. She has transformed her own life through learning and is now creating meaningful change for classmates, tutors, refugee families, and the wider community. She exemplifies the very best of lifelong learning and serves as a role model for learners across the college.
New Directions College is honoured to have put Rasha forward for this award, and proudly recognises her remarkable achievements, unwavering dedication, and inspiring contribution to others.
Official Press Release 9th December 2025
A New Directions College learner has been awarded the Learner Award at the Ascentis 50th Anniversary Lifetime Learning Awards, recognising her remarkable resilience, courage, and dedication to lifelong learning.
Rasha Mustafa’s achievement is especially inspiring given the significant personal challenges she has faced. While living in a single hotel room with her three children for eight months, she completed two Ascentis Volunteering qualifications and progressed rapidly through her ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) studies, always with positivity, determination, and an unwavering commitment to her education. Her tutors consistently describe her as an exceptional learner and a joy to teach.
Beyond her own studies, Rasha has devoted herself to helping others. She volunteers at a local Homework Club supporting refugee children and adults, provides invaluable classroom assistance in a pre-entry ESOL class at the college, and has stepped forward to interpret for newly arrived families adjusting to life in the UK.
A former teacher in her home country, Rasha will begin her AET training as she works toward rebuilding her teaching career in the UK. Her journey is a powerful testament to perseverance and compassion, and she has become an inspiration to learners, staff, and the wider community. New Directions College celebrates this well-deserved recognition and congratulates Rasha on her outstanding achievement.
Cllr Rachel Eden, Lead Councillor for Public Health and Education, said:
“Rasha’s story is a shining example of the power of education to transform lives. Her determination to keep learning, even in the face of immense challenges, is truly inspiring. She has not only achieved so much for herself but has given back to her community in remarkable ways. We are proud to celebrate her success and the vital role New Directions College plays in helping people reach their potential.”
Full list of winners and finalists of the Ascentis Awards
Educator Award
Recognising an educator who has taught Ascentis qualifications and consistently gone above and beyond to support and empower learners to change their lives.
Winner – Anna Maria Arwanitaki, Belfast Metropolitan College
The judges were deeply impressed by Anna’s extraordinary dedication to delivering ESOL and their ongoing commitment to their teaching practice. They go above and beyond to support learners both inside and outside the classroom, fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments while introducing creative and innovative approaches to teaching. A truly deserving winner.
Finalist – Huseyin Gurses, John Ruskin College
The judges recognise your unwavering commitment to providing personalised support to your learners. Your technical expertise and dedication undoubtedly enhance learner outcomes across all your classrooms. Your impact is clearly felt by learners, colleagues, and wider networks, and strongly reflects Ascentis’ vision to create life-changing opportunities for all. Thank you for all that you do.
Learner Award
Recognising a learner who has completed an Ascentis qualification and is remembered for demonstrating college values, making notable progress, and changing their life through learning.
Winner – Rasha Mustafa, New Directions College
The judges commend Rasha’s outstanding commitment, resilience, and dedication, having achieved exceptional success in their Volunteering Awards and ESOL studies despite significant personal challenges. Rasha has consistently demonstrated positivity, reliability, and a strong work ethic, while supporting peers and contributing meaningfully to the college community. Their voluntary work—at the local Homework Club and supporting a family from Kuwait—highlights their compassion and generosity. We celebrate Rasha’s remarkable achievements and their continued ambition to become a teacher.
Finalist – DC, New Directions College
The judges were inspired by your remarkable resilience and determination. Despite arriving in the UK under extremely challenging circumstances, you adapted swiftly and excelled both academically and socially. The high standard of your work, the pride you take in it, and your commitment to giving back through volunteering are truly admirable. Your perseverance and drive to build a brighter future make you a deserving nominee for this award.
Team Member Award
Honouring a behind-the-scenes team member who has supported the journey of educators or learners in a way that has helped change lives.
Winner – Roger Lomas, SLCC
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. The judges noted your commitment and enthusiasm, which have transformed the learning experience for so many. Your dedication to supporting both learners and colleagues makes you an outstanding asset to your team. This award reflects the positive impact you’ve made over the years—well done.
Finalist – Loretta Pearce, Waltham Forest Adult Learning Service
It is clear that Loretta has made—and continues to make—a profound impact on learners, colleagues, and the centre as a whole. They place learners at the heart of everything they do, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Throughout challenging times, they have provided invaluable academic and emotional support, demonstrating unwavering dedication. Their passion, positivity, and compassion shine through.
