A learning tree which symbolises the highs and lows of adult learning was unveiled on Wednesday February 24th by Lord Mayor of Galway, Declan McDonnell. Adult Learners at Croí na Gaillimhe Resource Centre, Society of St Vincent de Paul, decorated the tree with reflections and thoughts on their experience of learning at the centre.
Some of the reflections on the tree include a comment from a Computer Learner “ I am very grateful to have a chance in life to learn computers and I am on my second Art Class here. You are all very helpful and always give everyone a nice warm welcome”. From a participant of Movement and Relaxation Class “Attending the centre is an amazing experience of peace and tranquility and gives a great sense of well being and connectedness”. “It is good to be active” said an older person who takes a line dancing class. The Friday Writers Group who regularly uses the centre contends that “It is a weekly treat, a lovely setting with the water surrounding the building which inspires our creativity”.
The tree was displayed at the centre to mark the AONTAS Adult Learner’s Festival, which took place from February 22nd to 26th. The Centre also held a free morning of computer training for the older members of the community.
Commenting on the event Loretta Needham, Centre Manager, CroÍ na Gaillimhe Resource Centre says “Croi na Gaillimhe Resource Centre is a place where friendships are born and connections are made, it is a friendly centre and it is great to see so many people celebrating learning here today. She reminded the group present that “connection is the oil that eases away the loneliness”.
Croí na Gaillimhe provides a social club for older people on Wednesday afternoons at 2.00p.m. Activities are organised such as Art, Pottery, Games Cards and Music in consultation with the group. A Knitting Club meets on a Monday afternoon. Other training courses take place such as computers, drawing classes, movement and relaxation, line dancing and creative writing”. The centre brings in organisations to deliver education options not currently available in the area- like Banúlacht training in ecomomic literacy for women and Training for Transformation a community leadership programme that seeks to provide skills for community activists takes place in the Centre.
Given the work of the centre involves both older and younger people, Croí na Gallimhe is piloting a community model of intergenerational learning in collaboration with NUI Galway in September. This programme called The Living Scenes learning programme will target specifically children from socio-economic disadvantaged backgrounds and retired older adults throughout Galway. The programme will focus on positively impacting on the lives of both groups through empowering, enabling and relationship building in a learning environment which allows both groups to develop, bond and form new relationships and friendship. The programme has specifically designed learning modules in Art, Music, Drama and Writing.
This is the fourth year that AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, has co-ordinated the Adult Learners’ Festival. The theme of this years festival was ‘Better Together’ – promoting greater collaboration in the adult education sector. ‘We know that adult learners and adult learning centres do vital work on a daily basis, and this is even more apparent during a time of economic recession’ said AONTAS Director Berni Brady. ‘Centres such as Croí na Gallimhe are providing opportunities for people to learn new skills, but also they provide a valuable social role at a time like this.’
Speaking at the launch, The Mayor of the City of Galway, Councillor Declan McDonnell said “In the current climate it's even more important that we continue to showcase the value of the organisations like Croi na Gaillimhe Resource Centre, Society of St Vincent de Paul in responding to the needs of individuals, communities, society and the economy”.
This project is assisted by the Maureen O’Connell Fund of the Society of St Vincent de Paul.
For more information contact
Loretta Needham, 091 895203
Email: Lneedhamsvp@eircom.net
Notes to Editor
1. Photographs of the event are available on request.
2. AONTAS – AONTAS is the National Adult Learning Organisation. AONTAS believes that all adults in Ireland should have equal access to learning opportunities. AONTAS believes that adult learning has a hugely important role to play in the economic and social future of Ireland. For more information about AONTAS visit www.aontas.com.
3. The AONTAS Adult Learners’ Festival ran from February 22nd to 26th this year. For more information visit www.adultlearnersfestival.com.