Adult Learners' Forum for Aberdeenshire

Our Adult Learning Stories

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  Helen's Story

  6 months ago

  I first came to CLD to increase my confidence in everyday situations and improve my communication skills in hope of changing career due to health issues. I was referred by Mark from Fraserburgh Job centre who suggested CLD may be the place to help me develop my skills.

  I have been attending weekly sessions with Ashleigh where we have focused on building my confidence with reading and writing. We have reflected on how to best handle everyday situations and looked at what my next steps should be, with achieving my longer-term goals.

  Having that weekly time has been a safe... Continue reading

  I first came to CLD to increase my confidence in everyday situations and improve my communication skills in hope of changing career due to health issues. I was referred by Mark from Fraserburgh Job centre who suggested CLD may be the place to help me develop my skills.

  I have been attending weekly sessions with Ashleigh where we have focused on building my confidence with reading and writing. We have reflected on how to best handle everyday situations and looked at what my next steps should be, with achieving my longer-term goals.

  Having that weekly time has been a safe space to express how I feel and identify my learning needs and goals. Ashleigh has been such an encouragement and supported my ongoing struggle with my confidence.

  I have just recently completed my SQA Communication 2 and have just been offered a job where I can re-establish my skills. I have just enrolled on a course at the local college online where I plan to continue my learning.

  
  
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  Learner B's Story

  10 months ago

  Learner B self-referred to Community Learning and Development for ESOL support based on their need to improve their language and numeracy skills. They had some English language skills already, but written and verbal communication was very challenging for them. We were able to establish with learner B that they needed to improve their language skills to enable them to find and maintain employment, to financially support their family after fleeing the war in Ukraine.

  Learner B’s first experience of ESOL provision was with our Multiply ESOL Literacies classes, joining in April 2024. The classes supported the learner to revisit the... Continue reading

  Learner B self-referred to Community Learning and Development for ESOL support based on their need to improve their language and numeracy skills. They had some English language skills already, but written and verbal communication was very challenging for them. We were able to establish with learner B that they needed to improve their language skills to enable them to find and maintain employment, to financially support their family after fleeing the war in Ukraine.

  Learner B’s first experience of ESOL provision was with our Multiply ESOL Literacies classes, joining in April 2024. The classes supported the learner to revisit the language skills they had previous acquired as a child and build on those to support the development of speaking and writing skills.

  During classes the learner has been able to acquire many new skills which will directly impact their ability to integrate into their new community and support their children’s learning. They are now better equipped with an increased understanding of numbers and the associated skills to complete numeracy tasks to support everyday life activities including shopping, understanding bills and supporting their children’s home learning.

  Showing a huge amount of commitment to learning in and outside of class, the learner was able to progress quickly. In one year, they have achieved Scottish Qualification Authority certificate in ESOL for Everyday Life at National 2 level and Numeracy at Level 2. Having these qualifications has directly impacted their ability to find work, they are now employed full time and continue to develop their skills through self-directed ongoing training and learning.
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  Learner A's Story

  10 months ago

  Referred to the Community Learning and Development Service through the Aberdeenshire Resettlement Scheme, Learner A arrived in Aberdeenshire in 2021 from Afghanistan. Community Learning and Development were quickly able to establish with the learner, that they would require support with learning English for the first time. Although literate in their first language, their native language does not use roman script which adds another layer of complexity when learning English. They were very self-conscious of the limits of their language skills, so keen to engage in classes and progress their learning.

  Joining the multiply ESOL Literacies classes in 2023 allowed this... Continue reading

  Referred to the Community Learning and Development Service through the Aberdeenshire Resettlement Scheme, Learner A arrived in Aberdeenshire in 2021 from Afghanistan. Community Learning and Development were quickly able to establish with the learner, that they would require support with learning English for the first time. Although literate in their first language, their native language does not use roman script which adds another layer of complexity when learning English. They were very self-conscious of the limits of their language skills, so keen to engage in classes and progress their learning.

  Joining the multiply ESOL Literacies classes in 2023 allowed this learner to continue of their journey towards confident use of English language. Having previous acquired the basics, attending Multiply funded provision supported the learner to continue developing their language skills for communication and skills associated with using numbers for everyday life.

  We have observed the learner gain confidence and independence in using English and numbers in everyday scenarios. The learner has taken part in many projects and activities in the community, using realia to build their confidence in everyday transactions using money and communication skills.

  They have worked incredibly hard over the last 18 months and have achieved Scottish Qualification Authority Certificates in ESOL Literacies at National 2 level and Numeracy at Level 2. Following the completion of the Multiply funded provision, Learner A remains engaged with Community Learning and Development Literacies provision. They are continuing to build fluency with a goal of being better able to advocate for and support a family members health condition and get more involved in their local community.
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  Kim's Story

  10 months ago

  I received an official email on my iPad, asking me to click the link and fill in the form attached. I had never written or sent an email, and whatever a link was I had no idea. A few days later after relating this to someone I knew, I was informed of a computer class that I could join, and so my journey through the internet began.

  Ashleigh soon got to realise how little i knew, and through her gentle guidance my fear of my iPad and the internet began to ease. We were taught how to write and respond... Continue reading

  I received an official email on my iPad, asking me to click the link and fill in the form attached. I had never written or sent an email, and whatever a link was I had no idea. A few days later after relating this to someone I knew, I was informed of a computer class that I could join, and so my journey through the internet began.

  Ashleigh soon got to realise how little i knew, and through her gentle guidance my fear of my iPad and the internet began to ease. We were taught how to write and respond to emails, a must for me, and also many other amazing aspects, including face time with my grandchildren, it is so lovely to be able to see them as well as speak with them. We were all asked by Ashleigh what we would like to learn and get out of our devices.

  I have now learned to many useful things that I didn't even know about. I can send cute and funny pictures to my daughter, she is in a stressful job and says she can't wait to open them every work day. I couldn't have done this or even know where to find them before joining the group. Also to my husbands horror how to download apps. So far I have managed to download shopping apps and TV channels, my next big thing will be the music channel!

  I did not know how much fun could be obtained through the internet, and also how much help it would be. I think that what I really get from the group is one really good teacher, a very nice set of learners where we all get on well. We are supportive of each other and always manage to laugh about something. I look forward to our weekly sessions.
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  Douglas's story

  12 months ago
  

  I feel a lot more confident than I did. I am now part of the IT generation. I can now give things a go. It makes life easier than it was.

  I have learned:

  • To go online
  • Set up Gmail Account and email address account and password
  • I have learned the basics from Linda (volunteer Adult Learner Tutor)
  • I can log into my own Chromebook device
  • I understand the different apps
  • I can make my own documents
  • I use the computers in the library
  • I have used computers in other libraries too, using my username and password
  • I can search... Continue reading

  I feel a lot more confident than I did. I am now part of the IT generation. I can now give things a go. It makes life easier than it was.

  I have learned:

  • To go online
  • Set up Gmail Account and email address account and password
  • I have learned the basics from Linda (volunteer Adult Learner Tutor)
  • I can log into my own Chromebook device
  • I understand the different apps
  • I can make my own documents
  • I use the computers in the library
  • I have used computers in other libraries too, using my username and password
  • I can search online
  • I can look at maps to find different walks to go on and places to visit
  • I have re-directed a delivery by going online and leaving instructions
  • I have got a SQA qualification
  • I can now make my own CV
  • I can now search online for jobs
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  Kelly’s story

  12 months ago

  I started learning when I moved to a place I could get help with my learning. I came because the Employability Support Team suggested it but I keep coming because I’m getting the learning I should have got as a child.

  I couldn’t manage school then. It was too much for me to take in at that age. I feel more confident now and the main thing that has helped is having one-to-one sessions. It’s more relaxed and not so regimented and I also need not to be too distracted by other people or noise when I’m learning. I feel... Continue reading

  I started learning when I moved to a place I could get help with my learning. I came because the Employability Support Team suggested it but I keep coming because I’m getting the learning I should have got as a child.

  I couldn’t manage school then. It was too much for me to take in at that age. I feel more confident now and the main thing that has helped is having one-to-one sessions. It’s more relaxed and not so regimented and I also need not to be too distracted by other people or noise when I’m learning. I feel like the support I get from CLD is really good.

  I have achieved a lot. I now have certificates in ICT and Communication and I’m working on Numeracy. I also got a Wider Achievement Award. I’m more confident doing things on my computer, like applying for jobs online or filling in forms on my own. I also feel like I can help my school-age child more.
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  Charlie's Story

  over 2 years ago
  

  After losing my mum in 2022, I found myself struggling to figure out how to manage living on my own for the first time. After getting in contact with Aberdeenshire's MHIWS (Mental Health Improvement and Wellbeing Service), among other social work services I was referred to the Community Learning and Development service to help with gaining skills that would help me become more employable.
  
  So far I've taken courses in Numeracy and Communications, as well as taking the Power Tools workshop earlier in the year. Not only have these courses helped me refresh skills I had almost forgotten, they have... Continue reading

  After losing my mum in 2022, I found myself struggling to figure out how to manage living on my own for the first time. After getting in contact with Aberdeenshire's MHIWS (Mental Health Improvement and Wellbeing Service), among other social work services I was referred to the Community Learning and Development service to help with gaining skills that would help me become more employable.
  
  So far I've taken courses in Numeracy and Communications, as well as taking the Power Tools workshop earlier in the year. Not only have these courses helped me refresh skills I had almost forgotten, they have rekindled my interest in learning, and I’m excited about further learning and going forward.
  
  If you are thinking about taking on learning opportunities as an adult, I say go for it! Even if it's something you're already familiar with but very passionate about, lots of things about the world continue to change, so it can absolutely help to shake the rust off.
  
  As an ambassador for adult learning, I'm hoping to advocate for more support towards classes and courses that cover practical skills in this modern age of technology, such as programming!
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  Lee's Story

  over 2 years ago

  I have recently completed an SQA level 4 in Communications. The course has been of huge benefit to me. I did not get much of an education at school, so now I am learning, and it is so much better, and it is fun. I got a good qualification for going forward in life.

  Through my learning, my writing has improved so much, and I am so much more confident and ready to go further. I am now looking at the next steps and plan to do more SQA Awards in Numeracy and Working with Others.

  Learning has helped me... Continue reading

  I have recently completed an SQA level 4 in Communications. The course has been of huge benefit to me. I did not get much of an education at school, so now I am learning, and it is so much better, and it is fun. I got a good qualification for going forward in life.

  Through my learning, my writing has improved so much, and I am so much more confident and ready to go further. I am now looking at the next steps and plan to do more SQA Awards in Numeracy and Working with Others.

  Learning has helped me to gain new knowledge and it also helped my mental health and that is important. My advice to others, as an adult learning Champion is to "Go for It!"
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  Duncan's Story

  over 2 years ago
  

  I got involved in ALFA at the beginning as I have been involved in Adult learning since 2012, learning about computers and literacies and numeracy. There was a great CLD team in Alford at the time, but now we have no-one based on CLD in the community which is a shame.

  My learning with CLD has helped me to achieve in life and recently I was elected on to the local Community Council and am now a Community Councillor.

  I would say to anyone thinking, there is no right or wrong path in life. Take on adult learning and it... Continue reading

  I got involved in ALFA at the beginning as I have been involved in Adult learning since 2012, learning about computers and literacies and numeracy. There was a great CLD team in Alford at the time, but now we have no-one based on CLD in the community which is a shame.

  My learning with CLD has helped me to achieve in life and recently I was elected on to the local Community Council and am now a Community Councillor.

  I would say to anyone thinking, there is no right or wrong path in life. Take on adult learning and it will help you to progress in your life.
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  William's Story

  over 2 years ago
  

  I returned to learning as an adult because I felt inadequate when it came to English and IT skills. Having an Alexa gave me the confidence to find out more about it.

  I have taken part in lots of learning and have completed SQA Communications Level 2, ICT level 2 and 3 and recently joined the Adult Learners Forum for Aberdeenshire.

  I left school with no qualifications, barely able to read and spelling was just a no, no. These programmes have given me an insight into the things I missed at school, being dyslexic and having to sit at the... Continue reading

  I returned to learning as an adult because I felt inadequate when it came to English and IT skills. Having an Alexa gave me the confidence to find out more about it.

  I have taken part in lots of learning and have completed SQA Communications Level 2, ICT level 2 and 3 and recently joined the Adult Learners Forum for Aberdeenshire.

  I left school with no qualifications, barely able to read and spelling was just a no, no. These programmes have given me an insight into the things I missed at school, being dyslexic and having to sit at the back of the class in my school days. My learning achievements have given me a massive boost in confidence – I wish I did it forty years ago.

  The benefits now are I can pick up a digital device and I can find out how to spell words, what they mean and access information I need to find out about the things I am interested in.

  As an adult learning Ambassador with ALFA, I hope to inspire others to give it a go.

  I would encourage others to give adult learning a go. My motto is: Pick up the phone, get your foot in the door and try it!