It’s never too late to learn…
16 May 2012 14:29:23
Adults interested in learning met recently to have their say about education opportunities on offer in their local area.
Forty-three visitors were welcomed to the annual conference in Shortlees Community Centre by Graham Short, Executive Director of Educational and Social Services. Kay Gilmour, Head of Community Support, also attended the event, which marked the start of Adult Learners’ Week, 12-20 May.
Team Leader Jim Murdoch explained how the Council’s Community Learning and Development (CLD) section helped people by supporting them to learn at their own pace, in their own communities.
Adult Learners’ week featured activities across East Ayrshire, such as Cooking with Kids, Cycle Skills for family members, Silver Surfers Day – and even Olympic Thursday in Kilmaurs!
The focus this year was on Active Ageing, Intergenerational Learning and Environmental Learning, while the main theme was The Four Rs: Reduce, Recycle, Re-use and Resource.
CLD provides a range of courses throughout the year which enable people to take first steps back into learning. Adults can gain new skills and qualifications to increase their employment prospects – or just build a bit more confidence and self-esteem.
On offer are programmes in ICT and Digital Skills, First Aid, Food Hygiene, Gaelic,
Assertiveness, Improving Physical and Mental Health, Literacy and Numeracy Skills, Parenting Skills, Skills for Employment and Family Learning.
Jim Murdoch said: “The conference provided learners with the opportunity to discuss the value and benefits of learning and it was a very positive and constructive day. We will use the feedback to improve the quality of our adult learning to make this more accessible and responsive to people’s needs”.
To find out more, contact the Adult Learning Team, Barrhill Community Centre, Bank Avenue, Cumnock KA18 1PQ (tel 01290 421066).
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For further information, contact Elaine Scott on 01563 576013 or email elaine.scott@east-ayrshire.gov.uk