Malama’s love of learning recognised with Adult Learners Week scholarship
For Malama Papadopoulou, learning has become a way to build confidence, stay curious and keep opening new possibilities.
That commitment has now been recognised nationally, with Malama named one of just three recipients of a 2026 Adult Learners Week Scholarship.
Malama began her journey at Pines Learning with computer classes and has continued building her skills ever since. She has completed Computers for Beginners 1 and 2, Cyber Security Basics and Introduction to AI, and is now continuing with Excel. She has also been developing her English through Moving on with English.
What stands out most is not simply the number of courses Malama has completed, but the way she embraces each opportunity to learn.
Her EAL Program Lead, Sandie, says Malama approaches new learning with curiosity, determination and enthusiasm.
“She soaks up her learning, taking copious notes in class and approaching new learning with an abundance of curiosity and enthusiasm.”
The impact has extended well beyond the classroom.
Malama has been able to apply her growing digital skills in her work, using what she has learned in Excel and other computer classes to become more confident with everyday tasks and responsibilities. Improving her English has also helped strengthen her confidence communicating with others and engaging more fully in work and daily life.
For Malama, that growing confidence has changed the way she sees challenges. Things that once felt overwhelming now feel much more achievable.
And rather than reaching the end of one course and stopping, she keeps looking for the next opportunity to learn.
When Malama found out she had received the scholarship, her reaction captured that enthusiasm perfectly.
“I’m so excited I want to dance,” she said.
“I will keep going with education because it makes me feel brand new.”
The $1,000 scholarship will support Malama as she continues developing her skills and exploring where her learning might take her next.
Her story is a strong example of what adult learning can achieve. New skills matter, but so do the confidence, independence and sense of possibility that can grow alongside them.
