Say YES to adult learning 
That was the message from North Ayrshire Council, as we supported the recent Adult Learners’ Week 2024.
Running from Saturday 18 May until 24 May, the national campaign – delivered by Scotland’s Learning Partnership – our Community Learning and Development (CLD) team took to social media to celebrate the benefits and many avenues of adult learning happening throughout North Ayrshire.
It is hoped that by continuing to highlight the activities available to adult learners, even more people will get involved and seek to acquire new skills so that they too can gain qualifications and potentially a new job to improve their lives.
Do you know someone who needs help with Digital Skills?
North Ayrshire Libraries used the awareness week to remind residents of the digital support available via local libraries.
Colleagues are on hand when it comes to everything from downloading apps, setting up a new smartphone or even doing internet searches or connecting to library WIFI.
If you need help or would like to find out more about the support available – visit your nearest library and speak to our friendly staff.
Support with English language skills
The Council also provides support via CLD to read, write, and use numbers to handle information, communicate, express ideas and opinions, make decisions and solve problems, as family members, workers, citizens and lifelong learners.
The New Scots team are making a huge impact in this area. Promoting their ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Language Buddy Programme, they have called out for more community members to help out if residents want to support learners locally.
An exciting opportunity, the volunteers would help to support New Scots & ESOL learners to build social connections with members of the wider community as well as develop their English language skills. One such volunteer who has been working alongside the team is Jwaher who won an award for her efforts during the week at Scotland’s Learning Partnership, Adult Learners’ Awards.
Tutor Joanna McCulloch shared: “Jwaher is a brilliant example of someone who we have supported who is now doing her part to extend our reach into communities. Her dedication to learning English and digital skills, and volunteering in her local community is truly inspiring. We are thrilled that she won the award as this has been such a confidence boost for her.”
If like Jwaher (pictured) you would like to help other New Scots and ESOL learners too, fill in the online form to register your interest in the Language Buddy Programme.
Multiply were in the spotlight for their support with numeracy
The North Ayrshire Multiply team were in the spotlight, highlighting how they have helped residents to break down learning barriers when it comes to numeracy and literacy.
Working throughout North Ayrshire in partnership with our network of community partners, the team work in communities to support learners to achieve their goals and boost their confidence.
And so far, the team has supported 20 learners alongside Ayrshire College to achieve SQA level accreditation to help them on their way to taking the next step in their learning journey.
Learner Douglas said: “The staff in Multiply have been great and have really helped me to get help with both literacy and numeracy. Coming to the sessions has been so beneficial. What I have learned is opening up new opportunities and it’s really made such a difference to my life.”
The team can deliver 1:1 or group sessions, either as a one-off event or as an ongoing, integrated input to a programme. Their overall goal is to boost learner ability to use maths/numeracy in their daily life, at home and work. Find out more info online here.
Follow the North Ayrshire Virtual Community Centre page to find out all about Adult Learning opportunities happening and see some of our highlights from the week below…
Across our six localities, the Council is keen to champion the positive role that learning can play at any point in life.
To give residents a flavour of the variety and scale of learning in the area, CLD has been utilising the Virtual Community Centre to promote opportunities. that are. Visit the dedicated Adult Learning Council webpage for more on what is happening in North Ayrshire.
A bheil ùidh agaibh ann an Gàidhlig – Have you always fancied learning a bit of Gaelic?
Are you looking to learn the Scottish Gaelic language in North Ayrshire? Well look no further than North Ayrshire’s Adult Learning team!
Sheila Blain, Gaelic Development Worker and tutor explains: “North Ayrshire has a host of adult learning opportunities delivered by our Adult Learning team, available in each of our localities.
“The Community Learning and Development team has been actively involved in supporting the Gaelic language and culture for over 20 years and the Council is fully committed to providing opportunities to all ages who are interested in learning Scotland’s native language.
“As a local authority, which serves a diverse range of cultures, we have our very own Gaelic Language Plan and for those with other interests there’s walking groups, awards and qualifications, digital skills, cookery classes and more… so why not get involved?”
One student who has found the sessions really worthwhile is Blackwaterfoot-based linguist Wilma Stark who has recorded a short interview – watch the video below to learn more or visit the Council’s Community Based Adult Learning webpage.
Have you been working with adults in our communities to help them develop their skills and improve their life outcomes?
If so, share your story with us as we would like to spread the word further of the great work happening locally. Email: communications@north-ayrshire.gov.uk