A Deganwy grandmother who returned to education in her 50s has been recognised with a major award after pursuing a career in education.

Christina Giannini Spencer was 56 when becoming a grandmother and starting work at Kids Planet Day Nursery in Llandudno prompted her to follow a lifelong ambition to work with children.

Christina, who moved to Wales from Italy ten years ago, enrolled at Coleg Cambria to gain a Level 2 qualification in Children's Care, Play, Learning and Development.

She achieved more than 90 per cent in both Application of Number and Communication before being named Childcare and Playwork Work-Based Learner of the Year 2026 at the college's Student Awards.

Christina says returning to education transformed her life and gave her the confidence to pursue a career she had dreamed about since childhood.

She says education has always been part of her family background and that she had wanted to become a teacher, but her career had taken her in a different direction.

Her return to learning wasn't without its challenges, including exams and complex safeguarding modules, but she credits her tutor, Anna Edwards, with helping her through the course.

Christina has since continued her studies, taking evening Welsh classes at Coleg Cambria to improve her confidence using the language with children.

She has now secured a position at a secondary school in Abergele and is continuing her Welsh studies while working towards a Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification.

Christina says completing her first course felt less like an ending and more like the beginning of a new chapter.

Her story is being highlighted during Adult Learners' Week, which promotes the opportunities available to adults returning to education and training across Wales.

Her tutor Anna Edwards said Christina's determination and enthusiasm had been inspirational, adding that her award was "richly deserved".

Adult Learners' Week is encouraging people across Wales to explore how education and training could help develop their skills, confidence and career opportunities.