Wesley Moka with the outstanding adult learner certificate
he received at the Dunedin Adult Learners' Week awards
ceremony. Photo by Peter McIntosh.
For Wesley Moka (18), the future is looking "way better
than it was before".
The Auckland-raised teenager left school at 15 with no
qualifications because he was needed at home to look after
his younger brother.
But he said he always wanted to return to his studies when he
could.
He began a computer course while working as a cleaner, and
since arriving Dunedin at the beginning of last year has
completed NCEA levels 1 and 2 through the Salvation Army
Employment Plus youth course.
In June, he enrolled at Otago Polytechnic where he is
studying for a certificate in business administration.
Mr Moka said he did not think he could achieve NCEA
qualifications.
But doing so had given him the confidence to enrol at
polytechnic and follow his dreams of a full-time job and
overseas travel.
"The future is looking pretty good. Way better than it was
before."
His ultimate goal is to pursue a career in musical theatre
and to open his own dance studio.
Mr Moka was one of 22 Dunedin people to receive outstanding
adult learner certificates at a function held as part of
Adult Learners' Week.
The awards recognise students who have performed particularly
well at school night classes or in courses run by Literacy
Aotearoa and other training organisations.
They also honour outstanding tutors and organisations with
innovative teaching programmes.
Thursday night's function was the 12th held in Dunedin.
Outstanding adult learner awards: Paul Barnes, Liliva Belyak,
Jennifer Bennett, Nathan Bennett, Pamela Best, Keith
Cummings, Stella Deans, Amber Hall, Karyn Hucklebridge, Meli
Iaseto, Lynda Jackson, Dylan Kinnaird, Brian Lowe, Leita
Mackay, Wesley Moka, Lisa Nelson, Kevin Pritchard, C. J.
Ryder, Jenny Swift, Marney Valk, Darryl Wadsworth, Nicky
Ward.
Exceptional adult educator awards: Jill Davidson (Otago
Polytechnic Foundation Studies); Pip Marden, Sandy McKay, Liz
Sharman, Maryanne Symons (Literacy Aotearoa); Otago
Polytechnic learning centre staff; Jane Parker (Salvation
Army Employment Plus); Antonia Steed (Youthline), Anne
Symister (Logan Park High School).
Innovative provider award: English Language Partners.
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