ALFA shortlisted for National Adult Learning Award
ALFA members were delighted to be nominated for a National Adult Learning Group Award by CLD staff. The group have since found out that they have been shortlisted by Scotland’s Learning Partnership and are looking forward to attending the ceremony in May which is being held during Adult Learners’ Week.
The group were nominated because of their work and passion for Learner Voice. In the nomination, CLD staff highlighted that ALFA, currently made up of seven adult learning champions, share their knowledge and experiences to promote adult learning and help break down barriers. Considering themselves as lifelong learners they promote community-based adult learning as a catalyst empowering people to make change in their lives.
They have refined their research skills, developed an understanding around consultation, presenting and speaking in public. As the Community Learning and Development Service expand the forums to cover six Council Ward areas across Aberdeenshire, the group are now looking at supporting this.
The nomination also highlighted the group’s work around consultation. Current adult learners in Aberdeenshire were consulted around three wishes or changes they would like to see happen in adult learning. At the event, held by the Scottish Government, the group submitted their wishes on a postcard in December 2023.
The nomination concluded that ALFA “have pushed themselves out with their comfort zones both individually and as a collective group. Forum members are hugely supportive of each other and are passionate about making a positive change and empowering others to make changes to their lives.”
Long standing ALFA member Charlie McCorry said that ‘This is a real achievement for the group. It shows that our voluntary commitment and work in promoting community-based adult learning is valued and recognised not just locally but nationally. We were so pleased to be nominated and now we are over the moon to be shortlisted. I hope we win it, so we can put adult learning in Aberdeenshire on the map!”
