Creggan Hall Management Committee
June 30, 2009
Creggan Hall Management Committee
Basic Computers Presentation night at Creggan
Local people aged 50 plus have received “Certificates of Completion” for a Basic Computers course they recently attended in Creggan Church of Ireland Parish Hall.
The excellent course was delivered via the WEA (Worker’s Educational Association) and its’ Learning Age Project.
The Learning Age Project is funded by Atlantic Philanthropies and aims to run a programme of courses tailored to the needs and interests of older people and to help foster a self-help learning culture where older people take control of their own learning. Through the project the WEA (Worker’s Educational Association) hope to measure and evaluate the positive impact that learning has in later life and to lobby for mainstream support for later life learning. The project will run for 3 years initially and will engage up to 3,000 of the most disadvantaged older people in classes designed to meet their needs. Courses currently on offer include computers, arts and crafts, personal development and reminiscence. New courses being developed include planning for retirement, money management and re-skilling for work in later life.
Colin Neilands, WEA Director, explains the importance of the Learning Age Project:
“We have been involved in researching the benefits of learning in later life for some time now. Bringing together academic research and our experience of working with older people across Northern Ireland, we believe that taking part in learning can help reduce isolation, keep the body active, stimulate the mind, pass on new skills and even contribute to better health.”
“Current government policy concentrates almost exclusively on young people, which has unfortunately meant that there are fewer and fewer opportunities for older people to take part in affordable and suitable learning. Through this project, the WEA will directly address the lack of educational opportunities available by providing a programme of learning designed with older people in mind.”
“For further information on the project please contact Carolyn Hale at WEA, telephone 028 90 329718, email Carolyn.hale@wea-ni.com”
Upcoming activities at Creggan C.O.I Parish Hall
Names are being taken on an ongoing basis for the following courses; watercolour painting, card-making, flower arranging, basic computers, sign language and calligraphy. These courses will be delivered from early September onwards.
Calligraphy will be run over 6 consecutive Wednesday nights (7.30pm – 9.30pm) commencing 21st October 2009.
Card-making will be run over 6 consecutive Monday nights (7.30pm – 9.30pm) commencing 9th November 2009.
It is also hoped that the basis computers and sign language courses will be delivered before Christmas. Meanwhile, the flower arranging and watercolour painting classes will run after Christmas.
As per usual, participants will be expected to contribute towards heat, light and refreshment costs of activities run through the Parish Hall at £3 per night. For some courses, participants will be expected to also contribute towards material costs.
To avoid disappointment, those interested in attending any of the activities outlined should register their interest with the Group’s Secretary, Kenny Donaldson on: 07900882770 asap.
