What does a Muslim religious leader from Cleveland have in common with a law graduate from Leicester? Answer: they've both won an outstanding adult learners' award for 2003.

Adult Learners' Week, 10-16 May 2003, is the UK's largest learning festival. Each year the Week celebrates people around the country who have made an outstanding contribution not only to their own lives, but to the lives of others, through learning new skills.

Adults of any age, from 18 to 80 and beyond, can benefit from learning. And this is something that 47-year-old Rapinder Rajoo took very seriously. Rapinder, decided to pursue a degree in law, which she successfully completed after four hard years of study.

Rapinder is hoping to be able to teach what she has learnt to others. "I've met teachers who went the extra mile with me and I would love to pay this forward in the hope of enriching others."

Hafiz Naeem is a 43-year-old Imam who lives in Stockton, Cleveland.

He attended college to study English and has found himself helping cultural integration in his local community. "I needed to have a knowledge of different cultures so that I could pass this on to the younger generation," he said.

Make sure you are on the look out for a series of events during Adult Learners week in your area. A national helpline learndirect is also open year-round for advice and information.

The call handlers will have access to the NIACE website and can give information about local activities during Adult Learners' Week. Calls are free on 0800 100 900.