Adult Learners' Forum for Aberdeenshire

Lada Copic, from the Community Learning and Development Worker met the Adult Learners' Forum for Aberdeenshire (ALFA) group in May to discuss wider achievement and certification. These themes led to a lot of dialogue and discussion around the value ALFA members of placed on certification as well as accreditation.

Overall, ALFA members felt there was value in certification in wider achievement.

The Adult Learners' Forum for Aberdeenshire co-designed with the Community Learning and Development (CLD) Service the Celebration of Learning event on the 28^{th of} March held at Inverurie Heritage Centre. Adult Learners' Forum for Aberdeenshire (ALFA)member Charlie McCorry compered the event.

The event was attended by over eighty people from all over Aberdeenshire, including Cllr Gillian Owen, Chair of the Education and Children's Services, Head of Service for Communities Wellbeing and Partnerships and CLD Service Manager and Adult Learning and Communities Team Leader, Jane Verity.

Throughout the night, Penny Downs, a local artist did a live illustration of the stories and messages shared by learners.

Eight individuals shared their stories another eight individuals shared their journeys in the community in their work.

This included project with Aberchirder Men's Shed and CLD partnership, The Udny project, The Old Meldrum Mental Health Group and the KMYC project supported by CLD staff.

Comments from those who attended highlighted that the night was inspirational and informative.

"Wonderful event to celebrate everyone’s achievements."

"Very well organised. Lovely inspiring stories which give you the drive to continue. Beautiful evening."

"Brilliant, planned event. Loved hearing everyone’s stories. I have been inspired to do more learning where possible."

With CLD staff support, tabletop discussions were facilitated at the Celebration of Learning event. Listed below are the discussion themes and responses.

The big issues in adult and community learning

• People not knowing what is out there.
• Stigma
• Lack of funding
• Trying to do more with less.
• The journey is as important as the outcome.
• Lack of space to deliver sessions.

The Benefits of Engaging in Adult and Community Learning

• connecting and socialising with others
• access to a computer and the internet to apply for jobs
• employability skills
• Confidence
• meeting new people
• keeps your mind active
• gives me a voice
• refreshes rusty skills
• helps with clarity of thought
• helps me practice my English

How do adults find out about learning opportunities and how can we promote learning opportunities better?

• A central website
• Better signposting
• Promotional Materials
• Community Notice Boards
• Schools
• Parent Teacher’s Associations (PTAs)
• Education does not stop after school!

Barriers to Learning

• Ashamed to ask for help
• Not knowing what is available
• Mindset • Family commitments
• Mental Health
• Cost
• Travel
• Ill-health
• Access to IT
• Too many acronyms
• Don’t assume everyone is in the know – I’m not’

How do we remove barriers?

• Make learning accessible
• Community access
• Putting people in the right direction
• Using the right approach with learners
• Removing the Stigma – “it’s ok not to know things!”
• IT training to access digital opportunities