In May 2005, as part of the Adult Learners week in South Ayrshire, a ceremony was held within the County Hall of South Ayrshire Council headquarters, where adult learners were presented with certificates in recognition of their achievements in learning.

During the last year 730 adult learners have enrolled in lifelong learning opportunities organised by Community Education in South Ayrshire. Adult learning covers a variety of subjects that incorporate the core skills of:

• Literacy.
• Numeracy.
• Communications.
• Working with others.
• Problem solving.
• Information Technology (IT).

The programmes are delivered using informal and formal methods and take place in a range of venues throughout South Ayrshire including community centres, libraries, schools, learning centres, youth centres and the Rural Technology Bus which is a mobile learning centre.

Convener of South Ayrshire Council’s Lifelong Learning Committee, Councillor Alan Murray said: “The Council’s Community Education Service uses community based lifelong learning to raise the standards of learning for adults in South Ayrshire.

“The learning programmes are specifically tailored to meet the needs that individuals and local communities have identified, and for many adults they provide their first step back to learning.

“I would like to congratulate every individual who received a certificate, and the three groups who received an outstanding merit certificate for their attainments.

“These ongoing learning opportunities have been very successful due to the hard work and determination of the adult learners, Officers of the Council, and statutory and voluntary organizations who have worked in close partnership.”

Each year the achievements of adult learners are recognised at the presentation of certificates during Adult Learners week. This year a total of 507 adult learners received certificates in:

• Introductory IT Skills
• Accredited IT Skills
• Personal Development
• Committee Skills
• Adult literacy Skills
• Parenting Skills

Three groups received certificates for special merit in recognition of their achievements in learning.

Members of the South Ayrshire Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland Computer Group comprise learners who are overcoming various levels of disability resulting from a stroke. During their rehabilitation members maintain their involvement and participation in lifelong learning activities, and this is why the group was recognised for motivation and continued perseverance in relation to their learning.

The Maybole Women’s Group was recognised for the impact their learning has had on many aspects of their lives. Members of the group have progressed through participation in a variety of personal development courses to a point where they are now taking responsibility for their own learning. In addition, group members are having an impact on their wider community through involvement in various local initiatives.

The members of the South Ayrshire Carers Group all have responsibility for someone who, as a result of illness, disability or the effects of age, requires their care. The group received an award because individually and collectively they have overcome the restrictions in their lives caused by their care responsibilities. It was also in recognition of the fact that the learners have developed IT skills and progressed their learning beyond all initial expectations.

June 2005