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Advice for: Students, Parents and Carers | College Applicants | Apprentices
EKC Group’s prison education service has been recognised by a Kent dignitary, earning the team a prestigious award.
Fionna Mortimer, EKC IntoWork’s Head of Employability at Eastchurch, was visited at work by High Sheriff of Kent, John Weir Esq JP.
The surprise visit on Thursday, March 10, was to give Fionna the High Sheriff of Kent Award, distributed annually to highlight the work of organisations that help the most disadvantaged and vulnerable members of the community.
In particular, Fionna and her team at EKC IntoWork’s Eastchurch site have been making leaps and bounds in providing education and employability training to the inmates at HMP Standford Hill.
As the award was handed over, Fionna said she was “absolutely overwhelmed” by the surprise ceremony.
Receiving the award, she said: “It has been a privilege to be part of the adult education provision since the beginning in the early 2000s, and to bring college education to current offenders in a category D prison.
“I’m inspired every day by how education can change people's futures, seeing first-hand the positive impact our work has on our learners' lives and careers.
“This award is in the name of the entire team here and they deserve credit for what they do on a day-to-day basis. It’s not me, it’s us as a team – everyone in my team genuinely engages with every single learner and makes a difference in their careers.”
Speaking during the visit, the High Sheriff said: “During my visits to Standford Hill, I’ve been singularly impressed by Fionna’s commitment and drive in supporting the rehabilitation of offenders, which is vital if the cycle of reoffending is to be halted. It’s an absolute privilege to present Fionna with the award.”
EKC IntoWork boasts seven sites around Kent, providing adult education and boosting employability skills. For more information on the service, click here
