Dawne Meynell-Western, a housing student from Gower College Swansea, has been named the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Learner of the Year 2025, a national award that recognises the very best learners and apprentices across all CIH study centres in the UK.
This is the first time the CIH Awarding Organisation has run the competition, aiming to highlight students who have not only excelled academically but have also overcome personal challenges or made a significant impact in their workplace, study centre, or community.
Dawne studied the CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing before progressing onto the Level 4, both through GCS Training, the College's employer training arm, but what makes her achievement truly outstanding is the journey she took to get there.
Working in a frontline role in a busy homelessness service for Rhondda Cynon Taf Council with no time set aside for training, Dawne took it upon herself to use her annual leave to attend sessions and complete assignments. On top of this, she was recovering from a recent stroke and learning to manage dyslexia, both of which made studying incredibly difficult.
But Dawne never gave up. She spent hours of her own time carefully going through her notes, researching, and putting everything into her work. While many might have stepped back in the face of these challenges, Dawne pressed forward with incredible strength, determination, and heart.
Her commitment did not end with the Level 3 qualification. She moved straight onto the Level 4 and used her new skills and growing confidence to apply for a new role and is now working as a Specialist Health Independent Domestic Violence Advisor for Newport City Council.
Dawne was also recently named the Elaine McCallion GCS Training Student of the Year at the College's annual awards, another well-deserved recognition of her journey and impact.
Her success has also had a wider impact. The tailored support she received at Gower College Swansea led to valuable changes in how the College supports students with additional needs in the workplace. Her tutor Naomi Wilkins worked closely with the College's Digital Literacy Team to adapt learning materials and break down complex tasks; these strategies are now helping shape a more inclusive and accessible learning environment for future housing students.
Speaking about Naomi, Dawne said:
‘’Naomi has been more than just a tutor, supporting me through personal challenges and tragic loss whilst building up my skills, confidence and self-belief to enable me to successfully complete the Level 3 qualification, start my Level 4 journey and apply for new employment opportunities.
She has the most incredible knowledge base and supports her students to explore new and different ways to research and complete tasks without them feeling inadequate or uneducated, enabling and motivating them to strive to achieve what many wouldn't have dreamt possible."
Reflecting on her award, Dawne added: "While this award has surprised me, it has helped me to reflect positively on the challenges I have overcome whilst studying. This award is as much a celebration of an amazing team of tutors and educators; it is them I owe so much too!"
Paul Kift, Interim Principal of Gower College Swansea, shared his admiration for Dawne's success:
"Dawne's story is truly inspirational. Her resilience, positivity and determination have been nothing short of extraordinary. I'm so proud of what she's achieved, and I also want to thank the dedicated staff who supported her every step of the way.
This award reflects not only Dawne's success, but the strength of support we aim to give all our students here at Gower College Swansea."
Sue Bailey, CIH Engagement Manager, added:
"We've been so impressed by the drive and dedication of this year's nominees. Many have gone far beyond the requirements of the course while dealing with difficult circumstances. Huge congratulations to Dawne and all those who were nominated, these awards truly showcase the talent and passion within the housing sector.’’
As a result of this award, Dawne has now been nominated by the CIH Awarding Organisation for the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB) Learner of the Year award, further recognition of her incredible achievements.