The Family Learning course "Learn about ICT" was initially scheduled to run for 6 weeks, covering topics such as letter writing, searching the internet and sending emails, all with the aim of helping parents keep up with what their children are learning at the school. Having been out of work for quite some time, Stephen thought the course would also help him improve his job chances.
As the 6 weeks drew to a close, the learners were enjoying the activities so much, they enrolled for further sessions on using a digital camera, changing the look of their pictures and making movie presentations out of photographs.
It was during one of these tasks that Stephen's true creativity became apparent.
Heather Hannant, sessional tutor with the county council asked her learners to research a chosen product on the internet and take a selection of photographs at home to use in class.
Stephen photographed his own beans on toast to produce an eye-catching poster using Microsoft Word advertising Heinz beans as a healthy breakfast alternative.
The rest of the group congratulated Stephen on his achievement and he was presented with a prize book 'Heinz Baked Beans: Recipes, History, Trivia and More'.
Some months later, Heather was delighted to meet Stephen again. This time he enrolled on a level 1 OCR course studying for a certificate in administration. What's more, he is on the waiting list for a counselling course and has just passed an interview to work with Victim Support, where he hopes to encourage others going through a difficult time.
Success indeed!
