Adult learning – creating social enterprise opportunities on Inis Oirr
Posted on September 13, 2011 at 11:54 AM
Research on the benefits of adult learning shows that adult learning helps to build confidence and self esteem. These are the building blocks of small enterprise - with confidence come ideas, and the commitment to pursue them.
A great example of adult learning which is making inroads into small enterprise is Mná le Chéile - a group of women based on Inis Oirr on the Aran Islands. The group was the recipient of an AONTAS STAR Award in February of this year. I recently spoke to Mary McCarty, a member of the group who explained to me how it all started.
Mary is originally from America, and became a regular visitor to the island around 2005. She herself is a keen quilter, and was asked by some local women to share her skills. 'I ran a beginners class for about six women, and they took to it like ducks to water' she explained. 'It wasn't just about learning a new skill though; there was a real social element to the classes.' More classes were organised to respond to a growing demand and the group expanded - with twelve regular members and other women dropping in from time to time. The group attracts women of all ages - from their thirties right up to their seventies.
The group has benefited from a range of small grants given by local development groups and support from the local VEC Community Education Facilitator. The initiative is part learning, part enterprise, part social outlet, promotes the Irish language and craft skills and therefore has had access to a range of funding sources. But the development of their retail activities represents an opportunity for them to become more self sufficient and sustainable financially. Over the summer months and to coincide with the tourist season the group began to sell their products at their workshop on the weekends. They identified a definite demand for their products, ranging from quilts, cushion covers, ipod and camera cases and wall hangings, all produced by local women.
The group is now looking at developing a business model similar to the co-operative that will fit the nature of the business as well as the needs and interests of the women involved.
Mná le Chéile is profiled in the next issue of the AONTAS magazine Explore which comes out in October. You can also visit their blog at http://www.mnalecheile.blogspot.com
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