‘The importance of participation and continued learning’

Your Voice in The Senedd by Plaid Cymru MS Sarah Rees.

2 minutes read

WITH students returning to the classroom, I visited some of our local colleges to speak with pupils, teachers, and senior leadership teams about the importance of learning.

During the Senedd election campaign I visited Bridgend College to learn about their innovative new programme ‘Newid’. This gives students the opportunity to develop leadership skills and enhance critical thinking, empowering them to make changes within their communities.

The programme is developing, and I’m so pleased our constituency is leading the way, with Coleg y Cymoedd and The College of Merthyr Tydfil joining. Students from the first year will return to the programme as mentors for the new cohort.

Whilst visiting Cardiff and Vale College, I spoke to students from the college and young women at the beginning of their careers in a Speed Mentoring event organised by Women in Public Affairs Cymru. Students were given the opportunity to seek advice to help them with achieving their goals.

I reminded them to be bold and not allow factors outside of their control to hold them back. There are always (and sometimes even better) opportunities out there waiting. The key is having the confidence to take those chances when they are presented.

Both of these visits reminded me of the importance of participation and continued learning. I’m an avid learner, having studied a Graduate Diploma in Law part-time as an adult. Taking the first step outside of our comfort zones can sometimes feel challenging but in my experience, it opens new opportunities and unlocks confidence.

I was incredibly pleased to learn last week, during Adult Learning Week, that two of my constituents, Javier Griffiths and Shelby Weaver, have taken their next steps to develop their learning after leaving formal education.

They won awards at the Inspire! Adult Learning Awards 2026 to recognise their perseverance to overcome hardship and their enthusiasm for education. Congratulations to them both.

Education is one of the most powerful tools we have in life. Learning doesn’t stop when you leave school. Every day is a chance to learn something new, whether it be through education, work, or wider life experiences. In my experience there is never a silly question.

However, education can only take us as far as we let it. It is important, like the students at Cardiff and Vale and Bridgend Colleges, that we make the most of every opportunity. Ask for help or advice because almost every time people are honoured to have been asked.

By Plaid Cymru MS Sarah Rees.

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