Community education programmes vital to meeting ambitious targets of National Skills Strategy
21 Nov 2011 12:21 PM
'Community education is a cornerstone to meeting the targets of the National Skills Strategy, and should be at the heart of the new training and education authority SOLAS,' according to a conference which took place today, November 17th at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dublin. Over 200 people attended the conference organised by AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation. Minister for Training and Skills, Ciaran Cannon spoke and briefed those attending on progress in setting up the new training and education authority, SOLAS.
The focus of the conference, entitled 'Making a living, making a life' is the dual role of community education in helping adults to access employment and further education, but also building confidence and active citizenship. Approximately 56,000 people take part in community education programmes run by VECs each year, while AONTAS estimates that over 30,000 take part in community education run by independent community education organisations. Research conducted by AONTAS this year shows that community education is especially effective in providing an opportunity for people with lower educational qualifications to get on the skills ladder and move onto further education and employment.
19.5% of the labour force, i.e. approximately one in every five workers still has less than their Junior Certificate. 'Although this figure has been gradually decreasing over the past five years, we need to look at how it can be dramatically reduced to 7% by 2020 in line with the National Skills Strategy' said Berni Brady, Director of AONTAS. 'People don't always progress easily through the formal education system; many take up community education feeling that they have been failed by the system. For these people community education is a second chance.'
The conference included a colourful exhibition of the work of 15 community education providers. Speakers on the day included Professor John Field of the University of Stirling, and Independent Senator Katherine Zappone. Britten Mannson Wallin, Secretary General of the Swedish National Council of Adult Education, outlined how the Swedish system has supported increasing numbers of adults to take up learning opportunities.
Community education emerged in Ireland during the recession of the 1980s, and was pioneered by communities experiencing disadvantage. Courses can range from personal development, arts and crafts right through to subjects like community development and political science. 'It's not just about hobby courses' said Ms Brady. 'For example earlier this week, sixteen people graduated from a degree in Community Development and Leadership. This part time programme was designed by an Cosán, a community education centre in Tallaght. They supported adults on the programme through financial assistance with fees, made childcare and IT facilities available, and organised study sessions and mentoring activities to motivate and encourage learners. The course had a 95% retention rate, with all adults graduating with honours.'
''SOLAS presents an exciting opportunity to create a single, fit for purpose entity that will organise education and training that meet the needs of the economy but also adult learners themselves' Ms Brady continued.
We look forward to working with the Minister as SOLAS is established, and communicating the contribution that community education can make as we address these ambitious targets' she concluded.
For more information contact:
Niamh Farren, Communications Officer - 087 911 0569
ENDS
Note to editor:
1. Two research reports on the outcomes of community education are available from AONTAS. They are 'More than just a course' which focuses on the outcomes of community education in a VEC setting, and 'Sowing the seeds of social change', focusing on community education delivered by independent community education providers. Both are available online at www.aontas.com.
2. Attendees at the conference include people involved in the delivery of community education, tutors, representatives from community organisations, learners and policy makers.
