| WEA Lobbying Campaign - In the press |
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| Monday, 26 November 2007 00:00 |
The latest WEA Campaign - Make Learning Irresistible - to protect adult learning across Northern Ireland has begun attracting attention in the wider press across the country.WEA Director interviewed live on BBC Good Morning Ulster radio programme - Wednesday 17th October 2007 On Wednesday 17th October 2007 the WEA's Director, Stevie Johnston was interviewed by Seamus McKee as part of the Good Morning Ulster Radio programme in regard to the loss of future funding that the WEA has been threatened with from August 2008 onwards. Click here to listen to the Interview in MP3 format.
You can also see what the WEA means to some of our learners in our short video by clicking here The latest published stories are below and these can be clicked on where we have access to the online story:
The cover story from NICVA's November 2007 issue of their SCOPE magazine Why is the work of many decades in danger of being destroyed by changes coming from the Department for Employment and Learning? Click here to read the editorial "Further education means life" from the NICVA SCOPE magazine.
NICVA is the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action
10th October 2007 Threat to adult courses in Newcastle
A Department for Employment and Learning contract that allows free courses to be provided in Newcastle to those who could otherwise not afford them is under threat.
The Worker's Education Association (WEA) is a voluntary organisation, which provides adult learning, mostly in community settings, and in Newcastle it is the courses in The Belfry on Main Street that could be under threat. The contract expires in August 2008 and at the moment is unlikely to be renewed. As the contract amounts to 60 per cent of the WEA income, it will have significant impact on affected learners and also on their families and communities. South Down MLA and Newcastle Councillor Willie Clarke has written to the Employment and Learning Minister Reg Empey to urge him to step in and ensure the funding is maintained. He said: "I would urge Mr Empey to seriously to their (the WEA) concerns. I have worked with the WEA in my home town of Newcastle and they have run a number of adult learning courses in the town that have proved to be a wonderful success. "Already two classes have graduated and a number of new courses commenced in September. The benefits to the local community, especially some of the most vulnerable sections living locally cannot be understated.
"I cannot praise the work they are doing highly enough," Cllr Clarke added.
9th October 2007 WEA ‘lifeline’ projects under funding threatThe axe is hanging over funding to the Workers' Educational Association's projects in Down District. At present the association offers popular courses in adult literacy and numeracy at the Belfry on Newcastle's Main Street, but following a decision by main funder, the department of employment and learning, it is understood that by August 2008 the WEA's money will begin to run dry. The department's funding represents up to 60% of the income of the association, but in August it is insisting that new arrangements between the WEA and further education colleges should come into place to set up an alternative financial package. The association is calling for some form of public consultation before such a move is finally decided upon. "We feel it is tremendously important that those who benefit from our provision have a chance to air their views and have them heard by the department and the politicians. "We are also concerned that a move to contracts from the colleges is going to lead to increased bureaucracy that will inevitably detract from the funds available to deliver learning on the ground", a WEA spokeswoman said. Newcastle Community Association facilitates the WEA with the use of its premises at the Belfry after inviting it to come to the resort town and remains steadfastly supportive of the group's educational projects. Chairman, Gavin Gallagher, said the WEA offers a ‘vital lifeline' to those people in the community who have ‘fallen through orthodox educational structures.' "We have nothing but praise for the WEA and the tremendous work it does in helping adults deal with their literacy and numeracy gremlins. "It is now vital that our political representatives lobby the Department of Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, to reverse his decision. "The WEA offers vital services to many people and we know from experience in Newcastle, that it a service eagerly taken up by many people.
"August 2008 should not be allowed to represent a crisis for the organisation, but rather a chance to have its funding contracts renewed," he said.
Newry Democrat
Education cash threat ‘will increase isolation’Attempts to encourage adults across Newry and Mourne back into education and work could be hampered if a voluntary organisation loses its funding, it has been claimed. The threat to funding has come to the Workers' Educational Association, a Belfast based voluntary organisation which provides adult learning across Northern Ireland. While it currently has a contract with the Department of Employment and Learning which allows it to provide free courses to those who may be unable to pay for education, this expires next August. And despite the fact that WEA representatives are due to discuss the matter with DEL officials tomorrow (Wednesday), there is no guarantee that the contract will be renewed. According to the WEA's Clare Oliver, this would inevitably affect the courses and services which the group currently offers to organisations such as Altnaveigh House. Sharon Hanna of the Newry-based group told the Democrat that WEA funding has allowed it to offer two adult computer classes over the past three years, alongside the other various courses. It had been hoped to introduce additional classes next January and April, but, Ms Hanna explained, the current uncertainty over the WEA support has thrown these into doubt. "We're trying to offer a service for the community but without the help and support of the WEA, this will obviously be restricted," she said. "These classes are totally booked out and there are waiting lists, so they've been very successful." The WEA backed courses are aimed primarily at young parents who want to get themselves back to work, Ms Hanna said, adding that many of the students cannot afford to pay fees which would be applicable elsewhere. "This funding has really helped us out and there is a great need for it, particularly since we opened our new premises," she explained.
"We don't really know what's going to happen, we'll just have to hope for the best. "This was something for the community, it's helped to get people out of the house. If it's taken away, you could be back to a situation where some people are left feeling isolated."
17 October 2007 Funding fears for Focus on FamilyEducation training initiatives embedded in the heart of our community could suffer a serious knock back if government reroutes money to the colleges, the Chronicle can reveal this week. Focus on the Family, who host an adult learning centre in Ballysally called the ‘Workers' Educational Association (WEA), have raised fears their funding will be stifled if education centralisation funding takes effect under a new consultation. At present, WEA enjoy financial assistance direct from the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) and this allows for free classes in maths, English, computer skills and sign language to take place at Focus on Family. It has opened a gateway for the likes of single parents, low income families and adults to come and get educated. But now there are fears that funding will be impeded after an announcement by DEL with the contract with WEA expires in just under a year. This could lead to periphery learning centres which offer free training and nursery care being stung or worse still even scrapped. Clare Oliver, of the WEA, said "At the moment we've been told by DEL that the current contract will be the last and that the expectation is that FE colleges will tender for the provision of community education in their areas. However the word that we are hearing is that it is extremely unlikely that the colleges will be in a position to do so within that timeframe." DEL have said "The Department will be publishing proposals for consultation in Octover/ November on ‘Learner Access and engagement". "These will include a proposed way forward for FE colleges relationship with voluntary and community organisations, such as WEA. Decisions for any further contract relationships will be based on the outcome of this consultation." The WEA is a voluntary organisation that provides adult learning, mostly in community settings, across Northern Ireland to over 6000 people per year. At the moment the WEA receives a contract from the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) which enables places like Focus on Family to provide courses free of charge to people who could not otherwise afford to engage in learning. But this contract expires in August 2008 and at the moment it is unlikely it will be renewed, according to the WEA at the Ballysally Centre. Colleges of Further Education often can be expensive or a fee is required upfront and WEA have said progress sin education is all about removing barriers. Contracts from DEL amounted to 60 percent of our income in the last financial year so this will give you an indication of the scale and risk involved should this funding end. The learning centres in the Causeway area include Flowerfield Arts Centre, Focus on Family and Causeway Women's Aid (and Craft Connections in Ballycastle). Meanwhile DEL have said "The Department (DEL) has a contractual arrangement with the WEA for delivery of certain types of provision. The current contract is due to expire in August 2008."
Clare said: "WEA feels it is tremendously important that those who benefit from our provision have a chance to air their views and have them heard by DEL and the politicians. We are also concerned that a move to contracts from the colleges is going to lead to increased bureaucracy that will inevitably detract from the funds available to deliver learning on the ground."
17 October 2007 Make learning irresistible urge WEAA voluntary organisation which has worked in Ballymena for decades with people who have missed out on learning, fear their work will be seriously compromised if government bosses push through learner access plans next year. The WEA which is the largest voluntary provider of community based education in the provinces has around 6000 people participating in its courses each year, and through a contract with the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL), provides unique courses to local communities tailored for their local needs. The contract enables them to offer courses free of charge to people who could otherwise not afford to engage in learning, however, this contract expires in August 2008 and the WEA faces an uncertain future after being told its contract will not be renewed. Instead it will have to seek support from Further Education Colleges who may be in a position to subcontract work to WEA or any other third party organisation. The WEA is worried that colleges may not be willing or be in a position to begin to seek tenders for community based provision. This, the organisation claims, will have a significant impact on the learners affected and also on their families and communities. As one local rep backing their ‘Make Learning Irresistible' campaign remarked, "It seems to the rich get richer but those removed from society are kept removed." The department have since hit back and have revealed that the current contract breaches procurement rules and thus can not be renewed. They also argue that the proposed new plan will offer enhanced support to some learners and boost the relationship between the voluntary/ community sector and FE. WEA is a familiar and valued organisation in community life and has worked with a number of local groups over the years, not only their Woodvale beacon Centre on the Ballymoney Road but also in centres of local life around the Borough. From Ahoghill to Dunclug, it is involved in programmes that have a particular application to Ballymena including community education, employment skills, drug awareness, money management and sustainable development. Courses are regulated to ensure they fit the needs of the Northern Ireland economy, reach the most disadvantaged communities and provide people who had a poor experience of education at school a route back into learning. Carole Kane, a WEA Development Officer, commented "And with the community and voluntary sector so fragile already, cutting provision means its going to get even weaker. WEA is on the lookout for those who have been through its programmes in the past to come on board and let their voices be heard. It wants their stories and the help of local politicians as they bring the case to the upcoming consultation period for government plans. More information on their ‘Make Learning Irresistible' campaign can be found at www.wea-ni.com. Stevie Johnston, Director of WEA in Northern Ireland, told the Guardian "WEA feels that it is tremendously important that those who benefit from our provision have a chance to air their views and have it heard by DEL and the politicians. "We are also concerned that a move to contracts with the colleges is going to lead to increased bureaucracy that will inevitably detract from the funds available to deliver learning on the ground." A background document prepared by the WEA stated, "Whilst we are of the opinion that a better partnership between the voluntary sector and the FE sector is a good thing we do not agrees that this should be at the expense of existing provision. "We believe that there is a proposal that a special pool of money is created within the CSR to enable FE Colleges to fund provision through the voluntary and community sectors and other sectors. "However the sum involved (which we believe to be in the region of £7,500,000 over three years) will add nothing to provision as this amount is similar to the combined contracts that are being withdrawn from existing providers. "If the extra bureaucracy that is required to managed this new system then in fact there will be a diminution in frontline provision for hard to reach learners, which is something that this region can ill afford. Meanwhile a DEL spokesperson confirmed that they had a contractual relationship with the WEA for certain types of delivery. "The current contract with the WEA is due to expire in August 2008 and will not be renewed because it breaches government procurement rules," they said. "FE colleges can already contract with third party organisations to deliver provision subject to certain conditions being met. "In addition the Department will be publishing proposals for consultation in October/ November on ‘Learner Access and Engagement'. "These proposals will include enhanced support for certain categories of learner, involving the voluntary and community sector, among others. "This would have the potential to enhance FE Colleges' relationships with voluntary and community organisations, such as the WEA. Decisions on the way forward will be based in the outcome of the consultation." The Learner Access and Engagement programme is part of a number of changes being implemented after Northern Ireland's 16 FE colleges merged into six larger area-bases colleges on 1 August. The main aim of this project is to develop and introduce a policy framework to permit formal collaboration between colleges and other education and training organisations, encouraging the development of occupational skills by those who are unemployed, socially excluded/ disengaged or reluctant to make use of conventional FE provision. Meanwhile, WEA say it has been informed that from September 2008 it will instead have to seek support from Further Education Colleges who may be in a position to sub contract work to them or any other third party organisation. Contracts from DEL amounted to 60% of WEA's income in the last financial year so should funding end, the organisation would face real difficulties. WEA believe that publicly subsidised education should be targeted at those communities with the lowest level of achievement, considering that 74% of those aged 16-75 in Neighbourhood Renewal areas have no qualifications. Among its chief goals is to educate is to educate hard to reach learners and it believes that community and voluntary providers have the networks and skills to reach these learners and support them through their courses, if properly resourced. The background document argues, "The courses themselves need to be attractive to learners and must help them meet their personal goals. Therefore both vocational and non-vocational courses should be available. "It is important that provision targeted at heard to reach learners must not be regarded as second rate. Therefore providers must be capable of delivering to the very high standards required to help improve the life chances of hard to reach learners. "In addition to technical skills, both employers bodies and careers guidance services increasingly stress the importance of employability skills, such as communication (listening, verbal and written), basic IT, adaptability, interpersonal skills, leadership, cultural sensitivity planning, problem solving, creativity and teamwork. "These are also the main skills needed to build social capital and a shared future. However, the importance of these attributes and skills are not reflected properly in current strategies which focus on hard skills acquisition and qualifications. "The WEA believes that adult and community education has a vital role in supporting the development of economy and society." Community Telegraph (West Belfast)
17 October 2007 Funding concerns for local education groupClasses at a West Belfast education centre could be potentially at risk if a contract between the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) and the organisation that provides its funding is not renewed. The Workers' Educational Association (WEA), a voluntary organisation which provides courses free of charge, currently receives funding through a contract from the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL). The contract is due to expire in August and the WEA has said it is unlikely to be renewed. The WEA, alongside the Ulster People's College (UPC) and the Educational Guidance Service for Adults (EGSA), were due to meet the Committee for Employment and Learning at Stormont today (Wednesday 17 October 2007) to present their case to retain direct funding from DEL. Last year funding from DEL amounted to 60 percent of the WEA's income last year. For the Conway Education Centre, the loss of funds could have an effect in any future courses. "The main bulk of our adult clases are through the WEA," said Ann Fitzgerald of the Conway Education Centre, which provides classes such as Essential English and Essential Maths for free through the WEA. Ms Fizxgerald said its was to soon to say what exact impact the funding cuts would have on WEA sponsored courses at the centre, "They might potentially shut down. It depends on who else gets these funds and presumably there will still be money for community education. "At the moment they have funding until August 2008, the end of this academic year. Its after that, the next academic year, that we don't know about." Stevie Johnston, director of the WEA echoed those sentiments. "The WEA is concerned that these proposed changes will lead to many adult learners losing out, particularly those in areas where educational achievement is low," he said. He also expressed concern at a proposal to move the contracts to further education courses. "We are also concerned that a move to contracts from further education colleges will lead to increased bureaucracy that will inevitably detract from the funds available to deliver learning on the ground." When contacted about the proposed funding cuts, a spokesman for DEL said that the current contract with the WEA "breached Government procurement rules" as it was "established on a single tender basis." "The Department is currently considering existing contractual relationships with non-statutory FE providers, in light of its strategic aims," said the spokesman. "We will be publishing our proposals for consultation in late October/ November 2007 on ‘Learner Access and Engagement'. These proposals will include enhanced support for certain categories of learner, involving the voluntary and community sector, among others." "Decisions on the way forward will be taken in the context of the outcome of this consultation." Community Telegraph (South Belfast)
17 October 2007 Funding concerns for local education groupFree adult education courses carried out within community centres across South Belfast could potentially be at risk is a contract between the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) and the organisation that provides the courses is not renewed. The Workers' Educational Association (WEA), a south Belfast based voluntary organisation which provides adult education courses across Northern Ireland, currently receives 60 percent of its funding through a contract from DEL. However, the WEA has said that this contract is unlikely to be renewed when it expires in August 2008. "DEL want local further education (FE) colleges to manage community education contracts in the future, which will include deciding how many such courses will run in their area, control over budget allocations and an enforced registration fee for all learners," explained WEA assistant director Colin Neilands.
"We are not against working closely with local colleges, nut under these proposed arrangements we will have to apply to provide our courses within each of the college catchment areas - leading to increased bureaucracy that will cut into our budget and detract from what we can provide for the learners.
"Our courses target and benefit people living in more deprived areas, people who cannot afford the registration fee that will be enforced if our courses run through local colleges.
"Any factor that stops someone from going to a class shuts down all those opportunities that education and skills give people."
One south Belfast community centre that could be affected by WEA contract issues is Ormeau Road's Ballynafeigh Community Association, according to Mr Neilands. Linda Laverty of the Skyway Club, a group of adults with learning disabilities based at the association, spoke of how the WEA's courses have benefited group members over the past three years. "The WEA classes that we've taken part in have enabled our members to get out and integrate with the wider community. For example, a recent visit to Aunt Sandra's Candy Factory formed part of a numeracy course," said Ms Lavery. "These classes are of an immense benefit to the Skyway Club, particularly members that are on benefits and cannot work. The classes we run in conjunction with Belfast Metropolitan College have an enrolment fee which has put many members off."
When contacted about the proposed funding cuts, a spokesman for DEL said that the current contract with the WEA "breached Government procurement rules" as it was "established on a single tender basis."
"The Department is currently considering existing contractual relationships with non-statutory FE providers, in light of its strategic aims," said the spokesman.
"We will be publishing our proposals for consultation in late October/ November 2007 on ‘Learner Access and Engagement'. These proposals will include enhanced support for certain categories of learner, involving the voluntary and community sector, among others."
18 October 2007 Funding changes will hit adult learnersThousands of people from disadvantaged backgrounds will lose out under a plan by the Department for Employment and Learning to reorganise the community education sector, MLA's were warned today. The Assembly's Employment and Learning Committee was told by organisations which help adults embark on new learning opportunities that a plan to cut direct funding to them next year and replace it with a new tendering process through further education colleges was already impacting on their services. Stevie Johnston of the Workers' Educational Association told SDLP's Alex Attwood, "Because our funding is due to run out in August I am saying to staff: do not make any commitments for next year. I am the accounting officer for our organisation and I cannot stand over anything I cannot account for next year. "As a result three members of my staff are going for interviews with other organisations. After all these people have houses. They have mortgages. "But we are also afraid we will lose a perfectly functioning infrastructure which is going to be very difficult to replace. In fact it could take three or four years." Under the department's plan, further education colleges will take charge of contracts for community based courses aimed at helping adults who are alienated from education during their schooldays return to learning. These could be tendered to existing community education organisations or the private sector. However, the committee was told that while existing funding was due to dry up next year, there were also concerns that further education colleges will be faced with an explosion of bureaucracy and may not be ready to offer the contracts by then.
Johnston Price of the Ulster
People's College told the committee: "We are very fortunate in Northern Ireland to have an active
and vibrant community sector. It is one
that societies would be envious of. "Yet there is a real possibility that a key building block for learning will be undervalued by this restructuring." 18 October 2007 Funding loss fear for Carrick organisationsTwo Carrick voluntary groups are set to lose out on funding next year. Carrickfergus Women's Forum and YMCA Carrickfergus Parents and Kids Together will suffer when the Department for Employment and Learning withdraws financial support. Funding is provided through the Workers' Educational Association (WEA) which receives a contract form the Department and enables to WEA to provide courses free of charge. This contract will expire in August 2008 and it is not expected to be renewed. The Workers' Educational Association (WEA) alongside the Ulster People's College (UPC) and the Educational Guidance Service for Adults (EGSA) has met the Committee for Employment and Learning at Stormont to present their case to retain direct funding from the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL). WEA Director Stevie Johnston explained: "The WEA is concerned that these proposed changes will lead to many adult learners losing out, particularly those in areas where educational achievement is low. We are also concerned that a move to contracts from Further Education Colleges will lead to increased bureaucracy that will inevitably detract from the funds available to deliver learning on the ground." Commenting on the decision a spokesperson for the Department for Employment and Learning said "The Department has a contractual agreement with WEA for the delivery of certain types of provision. "The current contract is under to expire in August 2008. The Department will be publishing proposals for consultation in October/ November on ‘Learner Access and Engagement'.
WEA says that it is
"tremendously important that those who benefit from our provision have a chance
to air their views and have it heard by DEL and the
politicians." 16 October 2007 Education funding cut ‘would hit communities’The manager of the Atlas Women's Centre in Lisburn, Stephen Reid, has warned communities will pay the price if the Workers' Educational Association loses its funding from the Department of Employment and Learning. The WEA provides adult learning for communities throughout Northern Ireland, including Atlas Women's Centre, Old Warren Community Association and Stepping Stones in Lisburn. Currently the WEA has a contract from the Department which enables them to provide courses free of charge to people who could otherwise not afford to engage in learning. However, the contract expires in August 2008 and according to WEA, it is unlikely it will be renewed. "Many adults see Further Education Colleges as an extension of the main school system in which they are not welcome as mature learners," explained Stephen. "However Atlas, in partnership with the WEA deliver. They complement each other's skill. "WEA has the administrative experience and expertise developed over the years and Atlas can identify and motivate the communities which have the most need. "If the funding is lost, or more likely dissipated, the communities again will pay the price and it will be impossible to rebuild those community support groups such as the WEA who have been in existence for 100 years and Atlas, who have been supporting the community for 18 years to educate this population by 2020." WEA and Atlas are lobbying politicians to ensure the funding is not lost and that local communities in Lisburn do not suffer as a result of the Department's proposed changes, which will be finalised following the completion of a consultation - Learner Access and Engagement - in November. 17 October 2007 WEA Takes funding fight to StormontThe Workers' Educational Association (WEA) will meet the Committee for Employment and Learning at Stormont today (Wednesday) to present the case to retain their direct funding from the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL). The voluntary organisation, which provides adult learning courses in community settings such as the The Belfry on Main Street in Newcastle, was told the contract through which it received its funding - amounting to 60% if its total income - would not be renewed in August 2008 when it expired.
The WEA is concerned that the proposed changes will lead to many adult
learners losing out and has launched a campaign to protect learning, which can
be reached by following the link to the campaign information at www.wea-ni.com
23 October 2007 Query over classesIt is still unclear if government funding which helps provide further education for adults in the Newry area will be withdrawn.
The Democrat reported last week how organisations including Altanveigh
House may have to cancel some of their classes if the Department for Employment
and Learning fails to renew its contract with the Workers’ Educational
Association.
18 October 2007 Learners set to lose under planThousands of people from disadvantaged backgrounds will lose out under a plan by the Department for Employment and Learning to reorganise the community education sector, MLA's were warned today. The Assembly's Employment and Learning Committee was told by organisations which help adults embark on new learning opportunities that a plan to cut direct funding to them next year and replace it with a new tendering process through further education colleges was already impacting on their services. Stevie Johnston of the Workers' Educational Association told SDLP's Alex Attwood, "Because our funding is due to run out in August I am saying to staff: do not make any commitments for next year. "I am the accounting officer for our organisation and I cannot stand over anything I cannot account for next year. "As a result three members of my staff are going for interviews with other organisations. After all these people have houses. They have mortgages. "But we are also afraid we will lose a perfectly functioning infrastructure which is going to be very difficult to replace. In fact it could take three or four years." Under the department's plan, further education colleges will take charge of contracts for community based courses aimed at helping adults who were alienated from education during their schooldays return to learning. These could be tendered to existing community education organisations or the private sector. However, the committee was told that while existing funding was due to dry up next year, there were also concerns that further education colleges will be faced with an explosion of bureaucracy and may not be ready to offer the contracts by then. Johnston Price of the Ulster People's College told the committee: "We are very fortunate in Northern Ireland to have an active and vibrant community sector. It is one that societies would be envious of. "Yet there is a real possibility that a key building block for learning will be undervalued by this restructuring."
24 October 2007 Moving away from Conflict
When we hear of Ulster Scots we usually think of booming lambeg drums, colourful kilts and words like ‘coup’ or ‘we’un’. There is a much history to be told of the connection between Ulster and Scotland, but the Ulster Scots in Antrim don’t just look back in time. In fact, they are one of the town’s core community groups, working towards an Antrim that knows its history, but has moved on from the days of violence and drugs. The Guardian talked to Derek Shaw, Secretary of the Ulster Scots in Antrim, who works organising courses in Antrim and Randalstown. Since January the group has run courses in conflict management, drugs awareness and community relations and held a summer school for local children. The main aim is to communities working together so they can move on from the dark days of the troubles. To do this Derek works along with ‘key people’ who have influence in the estates. He said, “It all started in January but we were working at it for two years prior to that. We target key people in these communities and hope it will gradually filter through. “A large majority of these people on these courses were involved in conflict in the past so the main theme is moving away from conflict. “The different loyalist groups who come here want to go down the community group path so they need to educate themselves and their followers.” One of the courses run by the Ulster Scots Antrim is Conflict Management. “We take a group of people and look at different types of conflict from local to international,” says Derek. “It explains why conflict arises and how to deal with it. A step in from that are the ‘us and them’ courses, which are more specific. “They involve taking nationalists and unionists together and looking at the Northern Irish conflict in detail. “We run a Peace and Reconciliation course now – it’s our own design with the help of outside consultants through the council and is a three stage courses based on the Troubles.” Derek explained that the course is based on real life case studies: “It involves a couple of field trips to different areas such as Interfaces in Belfast or Dublin sightseeing in the Dail and the jail, places where history would be the educator. “That would be a stage 1 course, designed to educate local groups about their own history and culture and set them up for the next stage, which is meeting the opposing groups. A year from now they’d be going some cross-community project.” The Ulster Scots work is certainly commendable and I can see Derek’s point – we need to learn not just about our own history, but the history of the ‘other side’ in order to understand each other and move forward. Derek believes attitudes are already beginning to changes: “Hopefully we can educate enough of them to be active citizens in the community and change their image away from being terrorists to being community based. “Its gradually happening in both Antrim and Randalstown. As time goes on that’s where they want to put themselves. And once you convert a few you get more people coming to the courses.” Although the courses are important and need to be taken seriously, the Ulster Scots try to make them as fun and interesting as possible. “Most courses have a residential element,” says Derek. “We’ve gone to the Derrynoid Centre in Draperstown for example. Once we finished the courses we went paintballing – its important to have team building exercises. “These people are mixed from different areas and they many know each other but they have not been mixing socially so they need to start networking together.” The main project run by Ulster Scots Antrim is called Culture Shock. One of the key focuses is on the local environment within the estates like Parkhall and the Steeple. “We hope to reimage the estates and turn them away from parliamentary paintings and instead base them on local things like, for example sport or the history of the town. “We take them to Belfast and show them how other estates have transformed their image by getting rid of these murals. “It’s the same with bonfires – we look at how November 5 is celebrated in England. Bonfires aren’t made of a load of tyres instead there are artistic designs.” Not all the organisation’s work is for adults and the Ulster Scots held a summer school for local children this year. Derek said, “We only decided the week before that we were definitely going to do it and we were worried we wouldn’t be able to get enough children but we ended up with over 50 children, we overwhelmed ourselves. “The summer school was great. We took them to Carrickfergus Castle, the Somme Heritage Centre, the cinema, played football, had fife and drum playing, a day with the PSNI at Steeple Barracks. The kids loved it.” The programmes run by Ulster Scots Antrim are provided by the Workers’ Educational Association through the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation costing around £50,000 a year. But this money is under threat. Derek believes the courses funded by this money are really making a difference to Antrim and are changing the attitudes within small communities. “Through WEA we run two drugs awareness courses for local community groups. We have a course in child protection through NEELB because of the new legislation that’s come in and a lot of fundraisers will ask for evidence of it. We have served over 30 people. “There are a lot of different ways you can get funding, but WEA have become our preferred sponsor because the range of courses they offer are superb and they work on a very community based ethos. “WEA are easy to deal with and they’re flexible – you can have your course where and when you want in various formats, whether dealing on site or off site. “They are value for money. If I was to run a course they’d be the first people I’d go to. They’d be first choice.”
25 October 2007 PALS group worried
Craigavon and Banbridge PALS
(Pensioners Actively Lobbying Services) are worried about the effect the
changes in WEA funding will have on the cost of courses for older people. During the summer, PALS
hosted a number of successful roadshows throughout the Craigavon and Banbridge
area. If you require any further information regarding PALS contact Walter on 028 832 6146.
25 October 2007 Library course concernThe number of adults availing of computer skills course at Brownlow Library is increasing week on week. However, this trend may soon reverse when the changes to WEA funding are implemented. “It will have an awful impact on our adults,” said Community Librarian Linda Stewart. “So many people are coming back to further education through the library. More and more people are learning about classes every week,” she said. “We have four computer classes a week – all at different levels. Word is just spreading and every week we’re getting more.” Linda explained with so many children and grandchildren working away from home, computers have become an important means of staying in touch. She said some of the courses showed older people how to set up webcams so the could see their new born grandchildren and great grandchildren. She went on: “The classes are free at the minute. I’ve no idea what they’re going to cost, but I’ve heard people say £80 or £90 – that would be beyond a lot of people’s means.” The input of older people in Brownlow Library was emphasised this week by an exhibition of photographs by local man Jim Kellips.
Linda concluded: “Older
people are very important members of the community and we cannot exclude
them. These classes not only offer new
skills but are a social focal point in a safe environment.”
25 October 2007 Young at Heart could feel the pinch if WEA are forced to seek contracts through local FE colleges.Johnny McAlinden, Secretary of the Young at Heart Men’s Club, said: “We got four classes – two or three computer classes at different levels, a digital photography class and we’re hoping to get ECDL class. All the classes are taken by professional tutors from WEA. “The whole thing could be grounded if this change goes ahead,” he said. “They’re looking them to go back into polytechnics and colleges. If that’s the case we won’t be able to afford them.” He added: “There’s 60 or 70 people on ou books. Plenty of people are interested in the classes. “We told them last week about what might happen and we’ve started a petition.” Johnny explained he was collecting signatures of support for the current WEA set up which allows concessions for older people to send to DEL Minister Reg Empey. A spokesperson for Young at Heart’s Ladies’ Club said she found the WEA courses extremely helpful and was concerned with funding cuts across the board which were likely to mean increased costs for older people. “Older people like myself need to keep learning and keep active. Not just for physical and mental well –being – the club provides social networking with other clubs. “I agree that these courses and classes should be provided at a concessionary rate or free of charge.” 25 October 2007 Funding under threat
Adult learning centres in the
borough could suffer due to changes in the way their facilitating body is
financed.
The Workers’ Educational Association is a voluntary organisation that provides adult learning, mostly in community settings across Northern Ireland to over 6000 people per year. At the moment the WEA receives a contract from the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) which enables them to provide courses free of charge to people who could otherwise not afford to engage in learning. However, this contract expires in August 2008 and will not be renewed. Instead they will have to seek support from Further Education colleges who may be in a position to sub-contract work. “As you can imagine this will have a significant impact in the learners affected and also on their families and communities,” said a WEA spokesperson. “Contracts from DEL amounted to 60% of our income in the last financial year so this will give you an indication of the scale and risk involved should this funding end.” WEA feels that it is tremendously important that those who benefit from their provision have a chance to have it heard by DEL and the politicians: “We are also concerned that a move to contracts from the colleges is going to lead to increased bureaucracy that will inevitably detract from the funds available to deliver learning on the ground.” WEA learning centres in the area include Brownlow Library, Young at Heart and Community Network Craigavon. DEL has said: “The Department (DEL) has a contractual arrangement with WEA for the delivery of certain types of provision. The current contract is due to expire in August 2008. “The Department will be publishing proposals for consultation in October/ November on ‘Learner Access and Engagement’. These will include a proposed way forward for FE colleges’ relationship with voluntary and community organisations, such as WEA. Decisions for any further contract relationships will be based on the outcome of this consultation.”
This article is also available online. Click here to access it [External Link] 17 October 2007 Funding fears for focus on familyEducation training initiatives embedded in the heart of our community could suffer a serious knock back if government reroutes money to the colleges, the Chronicle can reveal this week. Focus on the Family, who host an adult learning centre in Ballysally called the ‘Workers’ Educational Association (WEA), have raised fears their funding will be stifled if education centralisation funding takes effect under a new consultation.
At present, WEA enjoy financial assistance direct
from the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) and this allows for free
classes in maths, English, computer skills and sign language to take place at
Focus on Family. It has opened a gateway for the likes of single
parents, low income families and adults to come and get educated. Clare Oliver, of the WEA, said “At the moment we’ve been told by DEL that the current contract will be the last and that the expectation is that FE colleges will tender for the provision of community education in their areas. However the word that we are hearing is that it is extremely unlikely that the colleges will be in a position to do so within that timeframe.” DEL have said “The Department will be publishing proposals for consultation in Octover/ November on ‘Learner Access and engagement’. “These will include a proposed way forward for FE colleges relationship with voluntary and community organisations, such as WEA. Decisions for any further contract relationships will be based on the outcome of this consultation.” The WEA is a voluntary organisation that provides adult learning, mostly in community settings, across Northern Ireland to over 6000 people per year. At the moment the WEA receives a contract from the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) which enables places like Focus on Family to provide courses free of charge to people who could not otherwise afford to engage in learning. But this contract expires in August 2008 and at the moment it is unlikely it will be renewed, according to the WEA at the Ballysally Centre. Colleges of Further Education often can be expensive or a fee is required upfront and WEA have said progress sin education is all about removing barriers. Contracts from DEL amounted to 60 percent of our income in the last financial year so this will give you an indication of the scale and risk involved should this funding end. The learning centres in the Causeway area include Flowerfield Arts Centre, Focus on Family and Causeway Women’s Aid (and Craft Connections in Ballycastle). Meanwhile DEL have said “The Department (DEL) has a contractual arrangement with the WEA for delivery of certain types of provision. The current contract is due to expire in August 2008.” Clare said: “WEA feels it is tremendously important that those who benefit from our provision have a chance to air their views and have them heard by DEL and the politicians. “We are also concerned that a move to contracts from the colleges is going to lead to increased bureaucracy that will inevitably detract from the funds available to deliver learning on the ground. 9 October 2007 WEA lifeline projects under funding threatThe axe is hanging over funding to the Workers’ Educational Association’s projects in Down District. At present the association offers popular courses in adult literacy and numeracy at the Belfry on Newcastle’s Main Street, but following a decision by main funder, the department of employment and learning, it is understood that by August 2008 the WEA’s money will begin to run dry. The department’s funding represents up to 60% of the income of the association, but in August it is insisting that new arrangements between the WEA and further education colleges should come into place to set up an alternative financial package. The association is calling for some form of public consultation before such a move is finally decided upon. “We feel it is tremendously important that those who benefit from our provision have a chance to air their views and have them heard by the department and the politicians. “We are also concerned that a move to contracts from the colleges is going to lead to increased bureaucracy that will inevitably detract from the funds available to deliver learning on the ground”, a WEA spokeswoman said. Newcastle Community Association facilitates the WEA with the use of its premises at the Belfry after inviting it to come to the resort town and remains steadfastly supportive of the group’s educational projects. Chairman, Gavin Gallagher, said the WEA offers a ‘vital lifeline’ to those people in the community who have ‘fallen through orthodox educational structures.’ “We have nothing but praise for the WEA and the tremendous work it does in helping adults deal with their literacy and numeracy gremlins. “It is now vital that our political representatives lobby the Department of Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, to reverse his decision. “The WEA offers vital services to many people and we know from experience in Newcastle, that it a service eagerly taken up by many people. “August 2008 should not be allowed to represent a crisis for the organisation, but rather a chance to have its funding contracts renewed,” he said. 31 October 2007 Vulnerable will lose in funding cuts to WEAProposed cuts to the funding of the Workers’ Educational Association by government will have a severe impact on the ability of local professional dance ensemble Echo Echo Dance Theatre according to the company co-manager Ailbe Beirne. The WEA has a detailed association with Echo Echo and the cutting of the organisation’s future looks set to have a detrimental impact on the Dance Company as well as young people in the district who might not otherwise have access to dance and movement classes. Asked what cuts meant for Echo Echo, Ailbe said, “Echo Echo is an official WEA learning centre and during the summer we offer a course in partnership with WA called Making Moves. This is a course available to young people aged 16 to 25. We had great participation throughout the North West. “The course was designed with Sinead Devine the development officer with the WEA in Derry and, basically, the point is to develop skills and creative skills that would also offer a national qualification that would be valuable to the young people taking part”, he said. It is qualifications such as these that contribute to young people getting onto professional courses – not least of which those now being offered at the dedicated department of dance and creative movement at the University of Ulster at Magee. “At the moment Derry is host to the only dance degree in Northern Ireland in Magee University campus and the City also has the only dance ensemble here at Echo Echo, so for young people to have the opportunity to work in an environment that might inspire them to seek a career in the creative industries it could be a really good opportunity for them. This decision will impact very heavily on future provision, he said, adding: “Without organisations like the WEA in the lead for further education then Echo Echo would have great difficulty in finding other partners of that calibre that would allow us to reach a wide range of young people. “I think that now the proposal is that FE Colleges would be delivering a large part of the WEA programme as it stands – that would open up a whole new avenue for Echo Echo, but I think the WEA has proved that with over 100 years experience in the sector that it is one of the leaders. He added: “The qualification we offered in 2007 was a Level 1 in Performance Skills, which was offered in conjunction with the WEA, and our plan was that in partnership with them that Echo Echo would offer a Level 2 course in the summer of 2008, so that course is in jeopardy and our ability to offer a course that has a recognised qualification is actually put at risk by this.” Meanwhile, Sinead Devine, the WEA co-coordinator fir the North West this week confirmed that funding would finish in August of next year and said there was concern that the WEA might not get funding for the coming year given the current shake up in education. “We will be getting our contracts from the FE Colleges but they are still undergoing a process of amalgamation and they say they will not be ready to undertake the tendering process by August. So it means the WEA will have no funding to do the work we do. “That means there will be about 6000 learners across the Province that will go without if this is the case. What you have to bear in mind is that we work with the hard to reach learners at community level. The community and voluntary sector has been hit very hard in the past and the kind of courses we offer are free courses which are a godsend to the voluntary sector,” she said. “If we are not in a position to do that – to offer courses then the most vulnerable will not get the opportunity to education,” she added. 9 November 2007 Campaign starts to save learning courses
The Workers' Educational Association (WEA) has launched a new campaign
to help retain a number of important adult learning courses currently running
in the Craigavon area.
Due to the termination of a contract with the Department of Employment and Learning next year there are fears the courses in Portadown, Brownlow and Lurgan, will not have enough funding to continue. A spokesperson for WEA said over 100 learners in the three centres at Community Network, Brownlow Library and Young at Heart Men's Club in Lurgan may lose out under the new arrangements. The WEA began operating in this area in the mid 1970s and last year over 100 learners benefited from 10 courses over the three centres, including accredited courses on drugs awareness, money management, community relations, digital photography and ICT. The association currently receives a contract from DEL which enables it to provide courses free of charge to people who could otherwise not afford to engage in learning. However, this contract ends in August 2008 and the WEA has been informed it will have to see funding from Further Education colleges. "Contracts from DEL amounted to 60 percent of our total income in the last financial year," said Clare Oliver, marketing officer for the WEA. "Our worry now is that the FE colleges will not be in a position to sub-contract work to third parties, as they undergoing a period of upheaval themselves, having recently been reduced from 16 to six. "We are also concerned that a move to contracts from the FE colleges will lead to increased bureaucracy which will inevitably detract from the funds available to deliver learning on the ground.
"These proposed changes will result in hard to reach learners losing
out, particularly in areas where educational achievement is low." Clare has urged people in the Craigavon area to show their support for adult learners by logging on to www.wea-ni.com and registering with a ‘postcard' petition which already has resulted in over 400 replies. The WEA is the leading voluntary sector provider of adult education in Northern Ireland, providing learning to over 5000 people per year in subjects such as ECDL to basic maths, sign language and business enterprise.
This article is also available online. Click here to access it [External Link]
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| Last Updated on Tuesday, 15 January 2008 08:58 |