Taster sessions, drop-in days and information events are on offer all over the county from this Saturday (19 May) as local learning organisations take part in Adult Learners' Week.
The week offers an opportunity for people to get a 'taste' of all sorts of adult learning opportunities - from IT to family history, 'Silver Surfer' sessions and card making, 'Step into' courses and CV writing courses.
Adult Learners' Week is the largest festival of learning in the UK and is organised by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE). Each year, around 10,000 events take place, attracting anything up to 100,000 visitors and participants. Events are held in colleges, shops and supermarkets, factories and businesses, libraries, museums, and community and education centres.
Adult Learners' Week is also the time when adults receive awards for their remarkable achievements through learning.
In Cumbria, over 100 events are taking place across the county. Cumbria County Council's Adult Education Service is helping to promote the events, and will be collecting the views from the people taking part, but the events themselves are being organised by many local organisations involved in adult learning.
Organisations hosting events include:
Barrow CVS
Cumbria County Council Libraries and HR
University of Central Lancashire
Carlisle City Council
Community development centres (CDCs)
Ways into self employment
Cumbria Higher Learning
Skills for Life
Open College Network
Adult education centres
This year there are a number of specific themes to Adult Learners' Week. These are older learners, skills for life, community citizenship, equality and diversity, art, culture and creativity and health and fitness
Charles Searle is the senior education officer for Adult Learning at Cumbria County Council. He said:
"Adult and Community Learning centres across the county are opening their doors next week and offering free tasters in a variety of subjects.
"There will be demonstrations of craft courses, a chance to try out internet and email courses as well as other computer courses and some family learning activities. Many centres are also offering the opportunity to talk to staff about the courses on offer.
"The county council itself is running learn at work sessions where staff will have the opportunity to check out their skills using Move On quizzes and scratch cards."
County councillor Philip Chappelhow is cabinet member with responsibility for Adult Education. He said:
"This special week is an opportunity for people to have a go at all sorts of opportunities and types of learning.
"Whatever somebody's age or background, there is probably a course out there for them - and if previous years are anything to go by a lot of people really get involved and go on to great personal achievements, as well as having a lot of fun along the way!"
At every Adult Learners' Week event in Cumbria, there will be feedback forms for people to give their thoughts on the events that they attend - all the forms filled in will go into a prize draw for £50 of vouchers.
To find out about events in your area for Adult Learners' Week go to:
www.cumbria.gov.uk/childrensservices/adulteducation.alw.asp
For further information about the national Adult Learners' Week, go to www.alw.org.uk or phone learndirect advice line free on 0800 100 900.
ENDS
For further information contact Alison Lister, media officer on 01228 606335 or contact individual organisations/venues direct. Details are at: www.cumbria.gov.uk/childrensservices/adulteducation/alw.asp
Events in your area for Adult Learners' Week