Learning revolution
WARRINGTON borough council is backing the government's ‘Informal Learning Pledge,’ along with many other organisations ranging from the National Trust to Microsoft and BUPA.
There are seven commitments organisations signing up to the pledge agree to:
• support the core principles of informal learning and encourage others to sign up
• champion wider participation, especially for those who have benefited least from learning
• find flexible ways of using our existing spaces or opening up new spaces for learning
• encourage and support learning organised by people for themselves
• embrace new ways of learning particularly the use of new technology
• find and work with new partners to increase learning opportunities
• celebrate successes
The recently published white paper, The Learning Revolution, outlines what can be done to support learning for pleasure, including funding innovative new ideas and projects, helping to broker access to learning and build a culture of learning across society.
The idea behind this learning revolution is to engage those adults who may not under normal circumstances want to enter formal education, but who have skills or interests to share.
With that in mind public and private buildings all over the country will throw open their doors to learners, from pubs, shops, cafes and churches to workplaces, libraries and galleries.
Key elements include:
• A £20m transformation fund which will support the development of new adult learning partnerships and innovative ideas. This could mean helping local people breathe new life into empty shop premises by setting up artists’ studios or theatre workshop spaces, or issuing learning vouchers to people who are unemployed;
• Working across Government departments and local authorities to get all kinds of new spaces opened up for self-organised learning activities. These shared spaces will include libraries, museums, arts galleries, faith spaces and local UK Online centres, as well as schools and colleges. Learners say not finding a low-cost, accessible place to learn can be a significant barrier to learning;
• Making it easier to find a space by setting up a competition to design a new web directory of learning spaces and places that are available at free or low cost, working with umbrella organisations like NAVCA (National Association of Voluntary and Community Action).
The council will soon be seeking funding to draw together many of the informal learning opportunities that already exist within the town to form an informal learning network.
Councillor Bob Timmis, executive member for leisure and skills said: “Learning shouldn't stop when you leave school or college. It should be a natural part of everyone's life, throughout their whole life. Informal learning often goes unnoticed and unrecognised when it deserves to be acknowledged, celebrated and supported. It essentially creates a sense of community.”
To find out more or to get involved contact Martin Gaw Head of Libraries, Heritage and Learning at mgaw@warrington.gov.uk.
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