lanarkshire - North Lanarkshire Council

Learning in
www.learninginlanarkshire.com
LANARKSHIRE
The newsletter of the North Lanarkshire Community Learning and
Development Partnership
Spring 2013 Issue 6
GAELIC LANGUAGE PLAN LAUNCH with Christine Pollock, NLC Executive Director of Learning & Leisure; Convener Jim
Logue and Provost Jim Robertson, with Foram members.
see inside for: Gaelic Plan Launch, Scottish Youth Parliament, SQA Star Awards,
Discovery and New Horizons, Humjolie, and much more...
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editorial editorial editorial editorial editorial editorial editorial
Welcome to the Spring 2013
edition of the Learning in
Lanarkshire newsletter.
In this issue you will find information
on the North Lanarkshire Community
Learning and Development Partnership
and examples of the work of members,
and associate members, of the
organisation.
Articles include local Celebration of
Learning events, the launch of the
Gaelic Language Plan, Youth Work, 50+
and SQA courses, to name just a few.
The work practice of member
organisations mirrors the key actions of
the Partnership, and articles
demonstrate examples of achievement
through learning for adults, young
people and building community
capacity.
The Community Learning and
Development approach is based upon
empowerment, participation, inclusion,
equal opportunities and anti-
discrimination, self-determination and
partnership.
I would like to thank all of those who
have contributed to this edition of the
newsletter and I know readers will find
Learning in Lanarkshire useful and
stimulating.
John Tierney
Community Development Manager and
Acting Chair of the North Lanarkshire
CLD Partnership.
Gaelic Plan Launch
Christine Pollock, Alex MacDonald, Convener Logue, Provost Robertson, Dr. John May,
Julie-Ann Price, with pupils from Greenfaulds High School and Condorrat Primary School.
The launch of the North Lanarkshire Council
Gaelic Language Plan took place in Condorrat
Primary School, Cumbernauld.
The event was hosted by Jane Liddell , Head of Service at
Learning and Leisure Services, who has the responsibility for
Gaelic development.
Provost Jim Robertson and Convener of Learning and Leisure
Services Jim Logue spoke of the excellent developments in
nursery, primary and secondary schools, plus community
learning and development Gaelic- based provision and the
voluntary sector projects and groups.
The event was attended by a number of representatives
from Gaelic groups, including Cearcall Family Learning
Group, Feis, Croileagan and Foram Lannraig a Tuath.
Entertainment on the day was provided by a piper; Alex
MacDonald, recent winner at the Royal National Mod, and
pupils from Condorrat Primary School. Christine Pollock,
NLC Executive Director of Learning and Leisure gave the vote
of thanks, with special thanks to Dr John May from
Greenfaulds High School, Julie-Ann Price, Head Teacher at
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host venue Condorrat Primary School, Robert Dalzell, QIS
Officer at Learning and Leisure Services and Tom Mitchell
from An Comunn Gaidhealach.
The event was completed by an excellent buffet lunch in the
school.
Alex MacDonald, Convener Logue, Provost Robertson, Christine Pollock,
piper, and children from Condorrat Primary School.
Scottish Youth Parliament
On the 27th and 28th October, the Scottish Youth
Parliament had their 49th Sitting in Coatbridge
hosted by North Lanarkshire Youth Council.
MSYPs from North Lanarkshire and Young People from the six
local youth forums organised the venue, catering and
entertainment for nearly 100 MSYPs from all over Scotland for
two days.
The North Lanarkshire MSYPs contributed to members motions
and debates and our own Lauren King (MSYP for Motherwell /
Wishaw) presented a motion on Young Carers being paid an
allowance for their caring role. Lauren will now present this on
behalf of the Scottish Youth Parliament to the Petitions committee
at the next sitting in March 2013 to be held in Parliament. Glen
Whyte (MSYP for Airdrie and Shotts) and Scott Lamond (MSYP for
Coatbridge and Chryston) also contributed to the debates and
other North Lanarkshire MSYPs contributed via Twitter.
The Saturday night entertainment was a fantastic showcase of
North Lanarkshire talent called Hollywood Glam meets North
Lan. Music Revolution and Tornado Jones two great bands that
got everyone singing along and a 17 strong dance troupe called
Mummy Returns provided some Halloween atmosphere. The
evening was complete with 3 solo performances by Robbi
McFaulds, Adrienne Rennie and the youngest of them all who
brought everyone to their feet, young Mathew Boyle from
Bellshill.
The young people of NLYC really pulled together to make this
event a success and demonstrated just how great and
inspirational the young people from North Lanarkshire are.
Seeing the MSYPs from North Lanarkshire contributing to debates
and helping to make SYP policies is an inspiration and really
challenges the negative stereotypes often portrayed by some
about young people.
If there are other young people who are motivated to get
invovled in local youth democracy, you can do this through a
local youth forum and also by coming a member of the Scottish
Youth Parliament when the elections take place early in 2013.
For more information, please contact June Ford, Youth
Development Officer on 01236 812636.
Open University
OU Courses - the website www.open.ac.uk/study provides detailed
information on Courses and qualifications. At the OU, students can take a single
course or work towards a qualification such as a Certificate or Diploma.
Signposting - potential students can visit www.openuniversity.co.uk/scotland.
Getting Started - There are no entry requirements for most undergraduate courses. You can
explore a range of free Open University materials at www.open.ac.uk/openlearn and www.open.
ac.uk/openlearn/scotland.
Financial support - Anyone with an income of £22,000 or less may be entitled to help towards
the cost of their studies.
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Youths are truly
inspiring - and
that’s the truth!
Outstanding contributions made by young people
within their local community, have been recognised
at an awards ceremony at the annual Motherwell
Youth Voice ‘Truth about Youth Awards’ 2012.
A packed audience gathered at Motherwell’s Glo Centre on
Tuesday 6 November to recognise a wide range of achievement
from the 30 strong group of nominees with seven young people
under the age of 26 years being crowned winners.
The Awards recognise outstanding achievements made within
their communities in areas such as learning, citizenship, sport,
health, entertainment and volunteering.
Nominations for the awards were made by parents, teachers,
youth workers, carers and young people themselves to identify
those who go the extra mile to help make life better for other
people.
Those who attended were entertained with Live Music from
Reeltimes Music’s ‘My Generation’ as well as speeches from
partners and some audience participation from Mind Reader
Colin MacLeod from the Tree of Knowledge.
Nina Mullen, Chairperson of Motherwell Youth Voice said: “This
year’s awards were once again an outstanding success.
“The group have put a lot of work into making sure we received
more nominations than ever, and the standard of applications this
year was very high which made it all the more difficult for the
judging panel to select the winners.”
The winners of this year’s awards were:
Andrew Mooney (22) who volunteered to work at the Dalziel
Day Hospice in Motherwell and the British Red Cross shop;
Christopher Tyrrell (20) who taught pupils at Clydeview school
how to the play the Saxaphone, raised money for various
charities and travelled to Ghana with Original Volunteers to work
and support deprived communities in the African country;
Jenna Scott who assists Bothwellpark School in classes for pupils
with severe and complex additional support needs;
Louise Elliott (20), who attended Our Lady’s HS and volunteers
with her mum to organise activities for children with additional
support needs;
Nicole Kane (17), who is a pupil at Our Lady’s High and spends
two hours each week entertaining and supporting children
between the ages 5 - 21 with additional support needs;
Gemma Park (17) who attends Braidhurst High and works every
week with very vulnerable young people in the Nurture Unit
(The Hub) within her school; and
Gary Kelman (17) who helps care for his sister and is also
involved in Lanarkshire’s Peer Education Project, LANDED which
offers young people the opportunity to educate their peers on
sexual health and drugs and alcohol.
Councillor Michael Ross, who has been a major supporter of the Motherwell Youth Voice group, added: “The
contribution
these young people have made to their local communities is quite inspirational. The example they have set
creates a very positive message of what can be achieved by our youths to help make Motherwell a better
place.”
The Motherwell Youth Voice better was set up in 2009 as one of the six youth forums in North Lanarkshire. It is supported by
North Lanarkshire Council’s Community Learning & Development Section.
If you would like more information about getting involved in Motherwell Youth Voice, please contact Sean Hanlon, Community
Learning & Development Worker on 01698 403830 or e-mail [email protected]
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SQA Star Awards
On Friday 9th November 2012, the annual
SQA Star awards were held in Anniesland
College. These awards recognise the
achievements of individuals and learning
centres in the whole of Scotland and
internationally who are involved in
undertaking and delivering SQA Qualifications.
Carol Ann Sinclair from Glenboig was nominated in the
Lifelong Learning Candidate category by Maggie
Macdonald, CL&D Worker (Lifelong Learning) after being
involved in adult learning courses in the community.
Carol Ann Sinclair is a mum of two who works in
Glenboig Neighbourhood House as a cleaner and
volunteer. Glenboig Neighbourhood House is a local
voluntary organisation that runs various groups and
activities for the ever growing population of the Village
of Glenboig on the outskirts of Coatbridge. They deliver
a variety of youth groups, adult learning courses and
support to older people, as well as running a community
café and lots of other community events.
When Carol Ann became involved in CL&D over 2 years
ago, she was incredibly shy and self-conscious and
would regularly ask to be by-passed if there were any
group discussions or individual feedback within the
course. Throughout that first course, you could see her
gaining confidence as the weeks went by and she was
more willing to speak in front of the group and recognise
that she had valuable skills to offer and wasn’t “just a
mum”.
Carol Ann then went on to participate in and pass her
First Aid Measures Intermediate 1 course, which was run
through Community Learning and Development in the
local community, using a tutor from Cumbernauld
College. She originally went along to this course after
being encouraged to so that she could use the skills she
learned within her capacity in the Neighbourhood
House, but her confidence increased over the weeks as
she learnt the skills and knowledge that could help her
save a life. She can also apply these skills in her home life
now too, as well as during local community events that
she volunteers at.
When the opportunity of then taking part in an Access 3 Sign
Language course in the community came up, delivered by
Coatbridge College, Carol Ann decided to take part. She went
on to pass this course, along with the rest of the people in the
class, giving them the encouragement they needed to request
an Intermediate 1 Sign Language course.
Carol Ann was not only quick to pick up British Sign Language
but was also very supportive of her fellow students, giving a
great deal of help to those who were finding the course difficult.
As Carol Ann’s confidence grew she even began to offer to go
first when students had to give signed presentations. Carol Ann
has the ability to take her learning in British Sign language
further and is now attending Coatbridge College to undertake a
Level Two course in Sign language, with the tutor believing she
could actually go into a career as a translator
Carol Ann has not only helped herself but in turn has boosted
the communication skills of a young boy in the community who
is hearing impaired. He has previously struggled to
communicate with people in Glenboig, but Carol Ann has been
able to translate for him on occasion and also has the ability to
help others who may have hearing difficulties in the community.
Carol Ann’s determination to overcome her lack of confidence,
hard work and support of her fellow students coupled with her
commitment to her local community are what made her an ideal
candidate for this award. The judges also thought so as Carol
Ann was shortlisted to the final three candidates in her category
from the whole country, only just pipped to the post by another
learner.
Carol Ann continues to push herself, evident through the
progression she has made from starting off in a small, informal
course to gaining accreditation from taking part in SQA courses
run in the community, to now attending Coatbridge College to
further her learning. Being able to go from the safety and
familiarity of her local community setting to a college setting
bears testament to how far Carol Ann has come in her learning
journey, and the belief/confidence she now has in herself and
her abilities.
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Celebration of Learning 2012
Airdrie Locality held their
annual Celebration of
Learning event in Gartlea
Community Centre on
Tuesday 2nd October
2012.
Over 90 learners, staff and
invited guests were in
attendance. Learners received
certificates for participation in
a wide range variety of courses
ranging from employability to
Information Technology and
family learning.
Colin Coupar, Locality
Manager, opened the evening
with Councillor Jim Logue,
Convenor of Learning &
Leisure Services presenting the
Learners from Airdrie Locality pictured with Councillor Jim Logue, Convenor of Learning
certificates. The evening
& Leisure and Christine Pollock, Executive Director of Learning and Leisure Services.
included a demonstration
from the Chapelside Sign
Language class and a vote of thanks from Barbara Philliben, Community Learning & Libraries Manager. Everyone then enjoyed some
social time with light refreshments and a buffet.
on adult learning
Script by REG THOMPSON Drawn by IAN JOHNSTON
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North Lanarkshire
Community Learning
and Development
Partnership
Vision Statement: “Our vision for North Lanarkshire is of a strong,
vibrant community where everyone is committed to strive towards
improving the quality of life, work and attainment for themselves
and others”
Some Key Actions
• Increase opportunities for learners to achieve accreditation
outwith national qualifications, within a community-based
setting.
• Increase opportunities for learners to achieve national
qualifications within a community-based setting.
• Increase pre-vocational and vocational learning opportunities
to assist adults in the transition to employment.
• Establish learning hubs to increase opportunities for young
people 16-19, in order to support positive transitions.
• Increase learning opportunities targeted at the 50+ age group
• Address needs relating to Adult Literacy and Numeracy and
English for Speakers of Other Languages.
• Maintain support to the voluntary sector to enhance the
capacity of community-based organisations.
Member/Associate Member organisations of the CLD
Partnership include:
• North Lanarkshire Council (particularly Learning and Leisure
Services Community Learning and Development), Library
Service, Regeneration Services and Social Work Services).
• Cumbernauld College, Motherwell College, Coatbridge
College.
• Youthlink Scotland, Scotland’s Learning Partnership, Lifelong
Learning UK, W.E.A., The Open University
• Routes to Work, Skills Development Scotland; VANL, Focus
Centre Viewpark, Strathclyde Fire and Rescue, Strathclyde
Police, JobCentrePlus and NHS Lanarkshire.
The Acting Chair of the Partnership is John Tierney and the Acting
Vice-Chair is Jim Sweeney, Associate Principal at Motherwell
College.
Contact 01236 812638 for a copy of the Partnership’s Strategy
document.
Visit our portal at www.learninginlanarkshire.com
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Bellshill Youth Conference 2012
The conference for young
people was brought together
by Bellshill Community
Learning and Development and
Bellshill & Mossend YMCA in
conjunction with Bellshill
Community Forum and the
Bellshill Children’s Services
Locality Planning Group.
The event took place on 28th
September and the existing members
of the Youth Forum were involved in
organising the event and also hosted
parts of the programme. 58 young
people from Bellshill, Uddingston and
Motherwell attended as delegates.
This gave the young people an
opportunity to meet other young
people from different communities
and backgrounds.
The main purpose of the event was to
find out what young people feel is
important to them and to explore
some issues that have already been
identified. The youth forum presented
an interactive questionnaire about the issues that affect young
people in Bellshill. Delegates were asked to give their responses
using the PP vote system.
The delegates were able to gain information on topics and issues
relevant to them and learn about services and opportunities open
to them. The young people took part in four different workshops
to look at some issues which would get them thinking! The
workshop themes were:-
directly with service providers at the Question Time. This kind of
event starts the process of giving young people a chance to
directly influence the provision of youth services in their area. The
young people had the opportunity to quiz a specially selected
panel chaired by Jordan Linden, Member of the Scottish Youth
Parliament (MSYP). Panelists included managers from services for
young people in Bellshill including the YMCA, Strathclyde Police,
Strathclyde Fire & Rescue, social work, health, education and
Community Learning & Development. The delegates asked some
very probing questions and the panelists provided some very
interesting and informative answers.
•
Police - Knife crime and violence
•
Phacts - Smoking
•
NL Youth Council -Youth Discrimination
Thanks to all the young people who attended the event. The
energy and enthusiasm of the delegates made the event a great
success.
•
Tree of Knowledge
We will be doing it all again next year…
The delegates were given the opportunity to raise their issues
Voluntary Action, My World Of Work
North Lanarkshire
Voluntary Action, North Lanarkshire (VANL) is the
development agency for third sector organisations
in North Lanarkshire.
The evolution of VANL is a landmark in the development
of the infrastructure for volunteering and voluntary sector
development. For the first time, a single organisation is
the point of contact for information, advice and support
on voluntary action, and is a key member of the North
Lanarkshire CLD Partnership.
Operating from offices in Wishaw and Airdrie , VANL’s
contact details are www voluntaryactionnorthlanarkshire.org.uk
or tel: 01236 748011
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The My World of Work website (www.myworldofwork.co.uk)
has essential careers and learning information plus an
interactive feature that helps you learn more about your
strengths, a CV builder that lets the learner create and
customise CVs, a search tool to discover careers suited to the
learner and job search information from JobcentrePlus, which
makes recommendations to the learner, based on
preferences.
The website contains a Choice Option section powered by
the National Learning Opportunities Database (NLOD).
Karen O’Connor
Karen O’Connor is someone with a lot to smile about.
Not only has she just graduated with an HNC in Social
Care, but she has achieved her dream job, caring for the
needs of others. Her 9 year old daughter Kacey is
proud of her mum’s achievements and says she wants
to be a graduate herself one day.
But things were not always so rosy for Karen, a single parent. A few
years ago she was unemployed and felt her skills were not sufficient
to set her on the road to the employment she wanted. Having
worked on production lines, Karen knew that what she really
wanted to do was obtain a job where she could use her personal
skills and qualities to support others. This would also enable her to
gain independence and the wherewithal to support her daughter.
Karen enrolled with Community Learning and Development and
over the next couple of years gained Core Skills qualifications in
Communications, Numeracy and ICT. Karen also took part in many
other learning activities including ‘Readers Theatre’ which helped
her to gain confidence in speaking out in groups and expressing her
views.
Karen, an extremely dedicated and focussed learner, worked steadily
and conscientiously towards her goals and soon was able to get a
temporary job as a Welfare Rights Assistant. She was also involved in
volunteering with the Children’s Panel and her confidence in herself
was growing. Finally she gained a place at Coatbridge College to do
an HNC.
On completing this, Karen was offered a University place but
decided that, although she loved studying, the time had come to
seek the work she always wanted. On Monday 12th November
2012, Karen started work with Hazelhead Homecare where she can
use her wonderful personal qualities as well as the many skills she
has gained. She is thoroughly enjoying the work and the people for
whom she is caring will be receiving empathetic and capable care.
Karen is also looking forward to the fun of being able to share a
couple of holidays with Kacey and is ‘so excited and happy.’ Karen
is keen to share her experiences with others who may have felt,
through some adversity or life experience, a lack of opportunities,
and to tell them that ‘its all possible with one step at a time.’
Well done Karen!
Altogether now
one, two...
FREE
FREE... Internet, E-mail and Computer use at every
North Lanarkshire Library
You can go online completely free of charge
Call into your nearest library, call freephone 0800 953 1010
or visit www.logintolearn.co.uk
Learning in
Lanarkshire
Newsletter
All articles for the newsletter
should be sent to John Sweeney
at:
[email protected]
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ENGLISH AS A SECOND
OR OTHER LANGUAGE
English classes for speakers of
other languages are available
throughout North Lanarkshire.
The learning takes place at
times to suit the learner and the
atmosphere is welcoming.
This is an important opportunity
for anyone who wishes to
improve their speaking, writing
and reading skills in the English
language.
Support is given in small groups
and new learners are welcome.
To find out more, contact Lesley
Inglis, telephone 01236
812641.
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TACKLING
HEALTH
INEQUALITIES
Community Learning and Development received
funding from the NHS to mount health-based
projects addressing inequalities in all its forms.
Projects included :
Bellshill - Introducing parents at Tannochside Nursery and
Primary to healthier lifestyle;
• Parent and child bonding sessions;
• A range of workshops, including cookery, stress relief and
sports coaching in Orbiston;
• Retirement course with emphasis on mental, physical and
emotional health;
• Provision of healthy tuck shop.
Coatbridge - Family Mental
Health Project
• Workshops in Greenend and
Kirkwood on volunteering,
employment, stress control
• Cooking on a budget
• Healthy Choices aimed at Polish
parents/carers
Airdrie - International Women’s Day
Promoting family relationships, based at Caldervale High School
and Airdrie Academy.
Cumbernauld - Healthy Eating and Mental Health
programmes
Kilsyth -
Trips to Glasgow , Roslin and New Lanark
Motherwell - Walk and Talk Health Group
• Kickers Family Football Programme
• Yoga
• Parenting Book Project
• Young Parents REHIS Course
• Healthy Cooking in Jerviston
• Family Group: expressive arts and relaxation
Wishaw - International Women’s Day for Wishaw and
Shotts localities.
Pan-North Lanarkshire - Reshaping Care for Older
People event
• Hillwalking and Orienteering for the 50+
• Residential week including archery, swimming and canoeing
for the 50+
More information can be obtained on these projects from John
Sweeney , (Tel 01236 812638)
email- [email protected].
The next newsletter will feature some of the projects from the
Tackling Health Inequalities Initiative.
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DISCOVERY AND NEW HORIZONS
The Autumn Discovery and New Horizons event for the
50+ was held in the Charlotte Toal Centre, Coatbridge, in
late October, with 150 people attending.
The event was opened by Stewart Wright from NLC Community
Learning and Development and he introduced Provost Jim
Robertson, Councillor Jim Logue, Convener of Learning and
Leisure Services, Laurie Young MBE, director of the national
Discovery Award Association , and Andrew Stewart, chair of the
Association.
Provost Robertson and Andrew Stewart presented the Bronze
certificates for Discovery; the Provost and Laurie Young
presented the Silver and Gold certificates, plus the Challenge 25
Project for Discovery; and Convener Logue presented the New
Horizons Awards.
New Horizons
Group with
Convener Logue
and Provost
Robertson
Discovery Silver
awardees with
Provost and
Laurie Young
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Sapphire level and one Emerald level certificates in his role of
‘champion’ of this Council initiative.
Workshops were then offered in Health, Environment,
Art,Weaving, Jewellery-Making and Quizzes.
After lunch there was a discussion on the Reshaping Care for
Older People agenda, with information leaflets distributed, plus
a “Have Your Say” evaluation of the entire event programme.
John Sweeney (NLC Development Officer) gave a vote of thanks,
in particular to CLD staff Jacqui Mitchell, Mairi McLeod, Louise
Smith, Claire McLaren, Lorna Masson, Anita Thompson, Stewart
Wright and Bill Davidson, for helping at the event.
Discovery Gold and Challenge 25 awardees
with Provost and Laurie Young
Discovery Bronze awardees with Andrew Stewart and Provost
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S.Q.A. TEAM WORKING
A group from Motherwell
have just completed a
12-week S.Q.A. Course
Intermediate 1 on “Team
Working”. The course
included topics such as
communication, listening,
telephone manner, usage
of computers and team
building.
CLD Locality Manager Gordon
Terris , presented certificates in
Team Working and
Communication (Listening and
Speaking) to the group
members, at the Pat Cullinan
Centre, Motherwell.
The group was tutored and
supported through the Course
by CLD Workers Christine
Johnston and Jess Findlay and
Development Officer John
Sweeney.
The Group proudly show their
certificates. Locality Manager Gordon
Terris is at the back (right) in front of
CLD Workers Christine Johnston and
Jess Findlay (far right).
Margaret Allen with Gordon Terris
Neena Sharma with Gordon Terris
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Cynthia Mowat with Gordon Terris
Celebration of Learning Event
Pather Community Centre
3rd October 2012
In keeping with the Queens Diamond
Jubilee themed celebrations early this
year, Wishaw Shotts Community
Learning and Development held a
street party to highlight their
celebration of learning evening.
A wide variety of learners from groups such as
ESOL, ALN, Discovery Award, Information
Technology, Personal Development and
Employability danced the night away to old
favourites like the music man, the slosh and strip
the willow to name but a few all courtesy of
Raymond’s magic music.
The 80 plus learners who attended especially
enjoyed the Scottish dances. The ESOL learners,
who had never celebrated their learning at this
type of event before, particularly enjoyed the
opportunity to take part in these traditional
Scottish Country Dances.
All feedback from the Adult learners Forum was
very positive and they noted that the learners
appreciated workers leading the way with the
dancing. This participation certainly went a long
way to ensuring a good time was had by all.
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The Lanarkshire-based group Humjolie
organised their fifth annual multi-faith
celebration in the John McCormack
Community Centre in Carfin on 8th
December 2012.
They welcomed over 200 women (and children) of
all ages and backgrounds for a night of dancing,
fashion, health education and fun. The celebration
was funded by Bellshill and District Community
Forum, Motherwell Community Forum and
Wishaw, Murdston and Fortissat Community
Forum and supported by NHS Lanarkshire Health
Improvement Team.
The women came together to celebrate the Muslim
festival of Eid, the Hindu festival of Diwali and the
Christian festival of Christmas. The celebration
provides an environment where women can learn
about each others culture and faith.
Anila Ansari, Health Improvement Practitioner for
NHS Lanarkshire, said: “The women were treated to a selection of
music and dance performances from including Bhangra,
Bollywood and Scottish highland dances. They were also given
the chance to take part in a multicultural fashion show, where
guests got the opportunity to walk on the red carpet. They had a
great time and thought such fantastic opportunity was rare as
that night three generations of women came together grandmothers, mothers and daughters- and walked down the
catwalk .There were prizes for the best outfit. The celebration
provides an environment where women can learn about each
others culture and faith that in turn promotes diversity, tolerance
and respect”.
Sadia Ahmed ,Humjolie’s Chairperson, in her welcome address
highlighted Humjolie’s message of community cohesion and
integration .She said “We live in a multicultural Britain and our
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cultural differences should be embraced, shared and celebrated
not feared, lied about and ridiculed as we often have seen in the
media. When we take the time to talk to each other and mix with
new people we also see that human beings have more similarities
than differences. We all need to be loved, we want the best for
our families, to be healthy and happy, to feel safe and we all have
hopes and fears and dreams”
Humjolie’s message was conveyed in a ten minute play written
and performed by a group of teenagers, thoroughly enjoyed by
all .Amongst the guests was Siobhan McMahon, Member of the
Scottish Parliament, who appreciated Humjolie’s efforts to bring
women from different cultures together promoting
multiculturalism and connecting diverse communities.
The women also visited the numerous health information stalls
and received health checks which were provided by the Keep
Well team.
RETIREMENT MATTERS!
Ten learners participated in a five-week course on
Retirement Matters at the Bellshill Cultural Centre.
Topics included Wills, Learning in Later Life, Money
Management, Volunteering, Bogus Callers and
Health.
The group was tutored by Helen How, from the
Bellshill Locality CLD Team, and NLC Development
Officer John Sweeney, and guest speakers from VANL
, NLC Environmental Services and Citizens Advice.
The group also completed two S.Q.A. modules in
Communication: Listening and Communication:
Speaking at Level 3.
Helen How (back, left)
and John Sweeney
(back,right) with the Group
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DISCOVERY AWARD/NEW HORIZONS
Thirty members of the Discovery
Award and New Horizons 50+
projects attended a residential
outdoor project at Whithaugh Park
Centre, Newcastleton, in late March
with a programme including
canoeing, hillwalking, orienteering,
swimming and archery.
There will be a full report in the
Summer edition of Learning in
Lanarkshire.
The Discovery and New Horizons
Conference, incorporating Health
Issues in the Community, took place
in March with 150 people attending.
The event also included a session on
the implications of the Reshaping
Care agenda.
There will be a full report in the
Summer edition of Learning in
Lanarkshire.
LIFE COACHING CLUB
Life isn’t meant to be easy, it’s meant to be lived!
The Life Coaching Club group meets in the VANL Community
Hub, (former Church building) in Kenilworth Road, Wishaw, every
Wednesday morning. The Programme includes breathing,
strengths and life coaching exercises.
Tel 01698 358866 to learn more!
Individual
Learning
Account
ILA (Individual Learning Account) is a Scottish
Government Scheme used to encourage adult learners
(over 16 years) back into learning. It is income-based
and learners must be on benefits or earning less than
£22,000 per year to be eligible. You must also be a
permanent resident of Scotland.
For information
phone 0808 100 1090
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Coatbridge Youth Conference 2012
Coatbridge Youth Forum in conjunction with
Community Learning and Development successfully
ran its second ever youth conference at the Conforti
institute in Coatbridge.
The event took place at the end of November and had
representation from all the local high schools including
Coatbridge High, St Andrews, St Ambrose, Buchanan and
Chryston High. Young people from every year group were
present on the day ensuring that the views gathered were fully
representative of the young people that live in the locality.
The conference mainly focused on issues that were relevant to
young peoples lives and gave them the chance to debate and
discuss these in more detail. On top of this everyone present had
the chance to share their views on how to make their area a
better, safer and more attractive place to live. The day continued
with interactive workshops, videos and activities culminating in a
final question time type session that allowed young people to
ask the hard questions to those officials and officers that are in
charge.
What was ultimately a successful day showed the passion that
young people have about where they live and the changes they
would like to see. It has also allowed Coatbridge Youth Forum to
take another great step in acting as a voice for the young people
of Coatbridge.
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Learning in
Lanarkshire
www.learninginlanarkshire.com
COLLEGE COURSES
INFORMATION, ADVICE
& GUIDANCE
VOLUNTEERING
COURSES IN YOUR
LOCAL COMMUNITY
• Are you looking for learning
opportunities?
• Need advice about funding?
• Unsure where to look for
volunteering opportunities?
• Do you want to improve your job
search skills?
• Are you about to leave school?
Not sure what to do next?
The Learning in Lanarkshire website offers you up-to-date
information, advice and guidance about local learning
opportunities across Lanarkshire.
The Learning in Lanarkshire Partnership includes: North
Lanarkshire Council, South Lanarkshire Council, Motherwell
College, Coatbridge College, Cumbernauld College, John
Wheatley College, The Open University, Learning Through
Unions, Volunteer Action North Lanarkshire and Skills
Development Scotland.
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