Individuals and organisations from Fermanagh have made the shortlist of the Open College Network (OCN) Learning Endeavour Awards 2021, due to take place online on June 2.

OCN is an educational charity and awarding body that advances education by developing qualifications for adults and young people throughout NI.

The awards shortlist includes nominees from all over Northern Ireland and covers categories such as Third Sector Learner of the Year, FE Learner of the Year, Schools Learner of the Year and Inspiring Tutor/Teacher of the Year. A new category for 2021, Advancing Learning Through Innovation, was added to recognise how organisations have transformed the delivery of qualifications throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

Some of the shortlisted organisations in County Fermanagh include Kathryn Tilson, Action Mental Health for Health and Well-being Learner of the Year, Beverley Farry, Action Mental Health, Health and Well-being Learner of the Year and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council for Advancing Learning Through Innovation category.

Record-breaking

Entries to the 2021 awards have been record-breaking, so to make it onto the shortlist is quite an achievement, explained CEO of OCN, Martin Flynn: “This year is officially our biggest ever awards with almost 200 entries.

“We are genuinely thrilled at the fantastic response and the calibre of entries is extremely high so well done to everyone who has made it onto the shortlist”, said Martin.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Awards will be screened live online, but that has not stopped OCN from ensuring everyone watching at home, in their offices or at school, is entertained.

Martin continued: “Covid-19 restrictions mean we can’t do an in-person event to celebrate our nominees’ achievements. The past year has been really challenging for learners and their teachers. So, we designed this year’s awards to not only recognise everyone’s accomplishments but added a little fun to the proceedings. We asked radio presenters, Jordan Humphries and Steve Turnbull to host the ceremony and there are some hilarious surprises for everyone watching live online.

“We’ll also be announcing the recipient of the prestigious, Hilary Sloan Learning Endeavour Award from one of our shortlisted winners, who will receive a £1,000 learning bursary. So, best of luck to everyone who has made the shortlist and I look forward to revealing who the winners are on June 2.”