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It could be YOU!
WI Life is seeking a new writer to pen a column throughout 2009 – and as we’re looking for a WI member it could be you.
We’re after someone to write a regular 900-word column in WI Life next year on topics that could be as wide-ranging as post office closures and public transport to fashion, family and new technology. Read more...
Adult Education Campaign
The NFWI joins the Campaigning Alliance for Lifelong Learning
The NFWI is continuing to actively campaign on adult education following the loss of 1.5 million places in the past two years. As part of this ongoing campaign the NFWI recently joined CALL (Campaigning Alliance for Lifelong Learning) a newly formed alliance of like minded organisations who” believe that affordable access to the life changing opportunities provided by education is the hallmark of a civilised society”.
CALL was founded by NIACE, NUS, UNISON, UCA and the WEA; however many other organisations have now joined the alliance to discuss and develop a new manifesto for the expansion of lifelong learning. There are currently nearly 100 supporting organisations and hundreds of individual supporters.
CALL is a non party-political alliance. The qualification for joining is commitment to six founding principles.
CALL believes our education system should provide:
- Quality of access to high quality education for all learners (regardless of: class, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, asylum status or employment status), including a statutory right to learning in the workplace.
- Universal access to basic skills, ESOL and ICT courses and a first level three qualification regardless of age.
- Learner, teacher and community involvement in all levels of decision-making about their learning wherever it takes place.
- Learning for personal wellbeing and development and the maintenance of local authority adult education.
- A path out of poverty and disadvantage including widening participation in higher education and the provision of a second chance later in life.
- A stable, motivated and rewarded workforce pf professional practitioners.
Groups and individuals are being encouraged to get involved to make an impact.
Get Involved!
Further details are available at www.callcampaign.org.uk. The membership page is very impressive. Many local CALL groups are organising events in the build up to the Parliamentary lobby scheduled for Wednesday 25 February 2009.
You can get campaign groups going locally by arranging a local debate or event about adult education; lobbying your local MP’s surgery; writing to your local newspaper. For more ideas about local activities and downloadable campaign materials see the materials page of the CALL website.
An on line survey has been produced by the WEA to collect evidence on the impact of lifelong learning on individuals and communities. The NFWI is encouraging learners (current, potential and former) to complete and submit this survey to provide up to date evidence, case studies and statistics to strengthen the campaign. Please click on the link provided below to take part in this important survey.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=w2LZE2ZDLcNab_2bDLoGE30Q_3d_3d
Government consultation
Informal Adult Learning- Shaping the Way Ahead, January 2008
The NFWI responded to this consultation after full consultation with its members. The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) received 5,500 responses to this consultation. DIUS has published a response to the consultation which can be accessed on:
www.adultlearningconsultation.org.uk/download .
National Inquiry into the Future of Lifelong Learning (IFLL)
The NFWI has submitted evidence about many aspects of its educational work and its impact and has made recommendations to the National Inquiry into the Future of Lifelong Learning which has been sponsored by the National Institute of Adult and Continuing Education (NIACE).
The Inquiry is under way to review thoroughly what lifelong learning means and the potential it holds. It is a very comprehensive review which spans ten themes. It will publish its final report in June next year.
Further information on the Inquiry can be accessed at:
http://www.niace.org.uk/lifelonglearninginquiry/Default.htm
Annual General Meeting 2008
The 2008 Annual General Meeting was held on 4 June 2008 in Liverpool at the Echo Arena. Guest speakers included Professor Averil MacDonald, Baroness Susan Greenfield and Sandi Toksvig. To read the speeches and find out the results of the two resolutions put forward, visit the AGM page.
The NFWI Supports National Family Week
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