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Path: Home > News Headlines > December 2008 |
Page last updated 09 January 2009 |
Latest News: December 2008
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Subscribe to the NIACE Podcasts
Some file on this page are PDF files. NIACE makes a commitment to disability equality
NIACE has demonstrated its dedication to disability equality by signing the commitment called for by Lifelong Learning UK’s Disability Equality Implementation Group (DEIG).
NIACE initiated and supported the Commission for Disabled Staff in Lifelong Learning and published the findings, From compliance to culture change, in March 2008.
Lifelong Learning UK accepted the Commission’s recommendations and set up Disability Equality Implementation Group.
NIACE will review the Commission’s recommendations and ensure that it fulfils the requirements.
David Ewens, Development Officer at NIACE, said,
“We urge all lifelong learning organisations, the trade unions, employer organisations, regulatory bodies and the infrastructure organisations that support them, to join us in the journey to disability equality in the sector.”
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A Right to a Voice campaign boosted by widespread support
Over 50 organisations and individuals have pledged to help NIACE with our A Right to a Voice Campaign to help asylum seekers get free English classes.
A Right to a Voice was launched on 10 December 2008 (the 60th Anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights) and will:
 | reveal the impact of ESOL policy changes upon asylum seekers as a vulnerable group; |
| highlight the injustice and inefficiency of the current policy with regard to access to ESOL provision; and |
| seek to change government policy in England regarding access to ESOL. |
The pledges of support and help come from more than 50 organisations and individuals who will join NIACE in setting up groups of volunteers to support asylum seekers in their first six months in the country.
The groups, initially in London, will offer basic ‘first aid English’, an introduction to the local area and information on key contacts; especially other refugee and asylum seeker community organisations.
Alan Tuckett, Director of NIACE, said:
“The provision of English language courses to asylum seekers is both humane and just. Being able to speak the language in the country of exile is essential to every asylum seeker.”
“Research shows that immediate access to English allows asylum seekers to interact with their new local neighbourhoods and it contributes to community cohesion. It enables the parent to speak to her child’s teacher, to explain herself to a doctor and to begin to function independently in society without recourse to expensive translation or interpreting resources.”
“Newly arrived asylum seekers who begin to learn the language from day one are more likely to learn quickly and efficiently and therefore be able to work and contribute to the economy when permitted to do so.”
To find out more about the A Right to a Voice Campaign, please contact Chris Taylor at chris.taylor@niace.org.uk
Related Link
| A Right to a Voice - Kaiwan's Story |
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Myleene Klass encourages adults to Sign Up Now to learning
Musician
and presenter, Myleene Klass, is encouraging adults to take up learning as their
New Year’s resolution this January, by backing Sign Up Now - a national campaign
from NIACE.
Myleene is doing a degree in astronomy. She said:
“Astronomy has always interested me as I like the Greek mythology behind the stars and constellations, as well as the science. It fascinates me that we are staring at objects in the sky that aren’t necessarily there anymore.”
She continued, “That’s why I chose to take up studying a degree in astronomy and planetary science. I also think it’s really important to keep exercising your brain and learning new things. January is a great time to take up that course you’ve always wanted to, so challenge yourself now and reap the rewards later.”
Colleges, adult education centres, libraries, museums and community centres across the country are full of information about the range of courses available – from learning about computers, maths or a new language to more unusual subjects like learning to analyse dreams, becoming a private investigator and learning about the art of hand painting by taking a course in Mehndi. You can also find out what’s on offer where you are, by calling Careers Advice free on 0800 100 900.
Rachel Thomson, Senior Campaigns Officer at NIACE, said:
“Like Myleene, you may want your learning to fit in with the International Year of Astronomy. Or this could be the year you learn a new language, paint a watercolour, read your first book or learn to dance a tango. You could earn a qualification that will lead to a promotion or a new job or you could learn about something out of complete fascination or just for the fun of it.”
She continued, “Many people find a new lease of life when they decide to learn something new and there are adults across the country who are proof of how learning transforms lives. Take the opportunity to make your New Year’s resolution one to mark 2009 as a year to remember.”
Source: Press Release: "Myleene Klass encourages adults to Sign Up Now to learning" - [PDF] Released On 22/12/2008
Related Link
| Sign Up Now website |
Photograph used with permission, courtesy of M&S A/W campaign
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NIACE wins bid for programme against elder abuse
NIACE – in a partnership led by AGE (the European Older People’s Platform) – will be working on a high-profile project to prevent elder abuse against older women.
The project called EUSTaCEA - European Strategy to Combat Elder Abuse against Older Women – will develop a European strategy which will be presented to EU and national policy-makers at a seminar in Brussels, after the project’s end in November 2010.
A series of workshops organised by partners in their own countries, will help form the strategy by:
| discussing the strategy with older people, older women’s organisations and other stakeholders |
| addressing the specific dimensions of elder abuse, including financial abuse - an area which NIACE is building extensive expertise. |
Tony Maltby, NIACE research fellow and project leader, said:
“EUSTaCEA is part of the European Commission programme DAPHNE III so it’s important that we are involved. The project views elder abuse as a violation of Human Rights and a breach of the EU charter of Fundamental Rights – this is why it has adopted a ‘zero tolerance’ approach towards elder abuse.”
He continued, “NIACE’s contribution will mainly focus on our experience in developing toolkits that serve to highlight the important role that learning plays in preventing elder financial abuse. Through the use of AGE’s extensive networks and membership we will involve citizens’ groups directly in our work, helping us develop a suitable European strategy. This is essential as the strategy will be presented at a seminar in Brussels involving the European Parliament Intergroup on Ageing, the Social Protection Committee and the European Standardisation Agency amongst others.”
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Invitation to tender
NIACE (the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) is a nongovernmental organisation and exists to encourage more and different adults to engage in learning of all kinds. We campaign for, and celebrate the achievements of, adult learners, young and old, and in all their diversity.
NIACE is the largest organisation working to promote the interests of adult learners and potential learners in England and Wales. We are a registered charity, no. 1002775, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 2603322. NIACE intends to put its publications storage and distribution contract out to tender for the period 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2012 with the possibility of a two-year extension. All tenders must be for both storage and distribution.
NIACE currently lists over 600 titles, both for sale and free. Last year we processed and dispatched over 13,000 orders and subscriptions to individuals, organisations and the book trade, totalling more than 230,000 items.
If you wish to tender for this contract please write, requesting the tender specification, to:
David Shaw
Head of Publications
NIACE, 21 De Montfort Street,
Leicester LE1 7GE
The deadline for the return of tenders is 17:00 Friday 19 December 2008.
Applications received after this time for whatever reason will not be considered.
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Asylum seekers need free English classes, urges campaign
Asylum seekers should be entitled to free English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and not have to wait until their claims for asylum have been approved. This is the principal aim of A Right to a Voice - a campaign being launched in London on 10 December 2008, on the 60th Anniversary of the UN Declaration of Human Rights, by NIACE, the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education.
With the support of many other voluntary organisations, including the Refugee Council, A Right to a Voice will:
| reveal the impact of ESOL policy changes upon asylum seekers as a vulnerable group; |
| highlight the injustice and inefficiency of the current policy with regard to access to ESOL provision; and |
| seek to change government policy in England regarding access to ESOL. |
Alan Tuckett, Director of NIACE, said:
“The provision of English language courses to asylum seekers is both humane and just. Being able to speak the language in the country of exile is essential to every asylum seeker. Research shows that immediate access to English allows asylum seekers to interact with their new local neighbourhoods and it contributes to community cohesion. It enables the parent to speak to her child’s teacher, to explain herself to a doctor and to begin to function independently in society without recourse to expensive translation or interpreting resources.”
He ended, “Newly arrived asylum seekers who begin to learn the language from day one are more likely to learn quickly and efficiently and therefore be able to work and contribute to the economy when permitted to do so.”
Mongay fled Congo in 2001 and arrived in the UK not knowing a word of English. Today, he teaches maths and electronics at a London college. He attributes his success to the fact that he started learning English the day after he arrived in England. He said:
“If I had to wait six months to learn English, like people have to now, I probably wouldn’t have gone to University and become a teacher. Like so many others I would have felt excluded and my motivation and ability to learn would have dropped. Learning English has helped me to make many friends here and it has helped me to get to where I am today.”
Kaziwa from Kurdistan experienced first-hand the effects of not knowing English and through her volunteer work she sees people struggle every day. She said:
“Having to wait six months to learn English is devastating for people. They get depressed because they feel isolated and some of them think they would be better off dead. They don’t have access to important information and one man recently missed his chance to gain refugee status. He couldn’t read the letter so he didn’t know where to go or at what time and there was no one to help him read it.”
Kaiwan, from central Iraq, was just 16 years old when he arrived in England in 2001, having been persecuted and imprisoned in his own country. Unable to speak a single word of English was isolating for Kaiwan. He said:
“I was lost, I couldn’t even buy a loaf of bread.”
But Kaiwan’s determination in learning English has paid off. He has had several jobs and now works as a lorry driver. He said:
“Learning makes a big difference in your life. Without English, I’d be lost.”
Hasan and his wife Abrar sought asylum in the UK one year ago. They both have degrees from Iraqi Universities, but Abrar did not speak English when she arrived. She was told she had to wait six months before she could learn the language. By the time Abrar became eligible for ESOL lessons, she had given birth and found it hard to attend college and be a mother at the same time. Since her arrival she has only had three months’ worth of two hour lessons a week, through Manchester’s Home Tuition Project.
Hasan, who already knew English when he arrived here, said:
“My wife feels isolated and has no sense of freedom. She’s not confident enough to go out alone or even answer the phone. I have to accompany her to the market and shops - not knowing the language is her greatest barrier.”
Donna Covey, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council, said:
“Being able to learn English quickly helps both refugees and the communities in which they live. Coming to a strange land, especially in traumatic circumstances, is isolating and terrifying. Aside from the practical benefits, being able to speak the language is the first and best way to overcome this loneliness, and to become part of a community, who in turn will be better able to understand refugees’ unique situation and see beyond their differences.”
A Right to a Voice will also offer practical support and build on the excellent voluntary work which is already going on all over the country. NIACE will set up small groups to support asylum seekers in their first six months in the country. The groups, initially in London, will meet regularly and be run by volunteers. On offer will be basic ‘first aid English’, an introduction to the local area and information on key contacts; especially other refugee and asylum seeker community organisations.
Source: Press Release: "Asylum seekers need free English classes, urges campaign" - [PDF] Released On 10/12/2008
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A Right to a Voice - Kaiwan's Story
To highlight why NIACE has launched the campaign – A Right to a Voice – Ed Melia, NIACE Press Officer, spoke to Kaiwan Mahmud, an Adult Learners’ Week winner from 2007. Kaiwan talks about his life in Iraq, his long journey to England and how he adapted to life here.
 |
Listen to Kaiwan's Story - [MP3 - 3MB] |
(If the audio file does not start playing in your browser, right click and save it onto your computer and then play it back through your usual media player)
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Media Literacy Film
NIACE has produced a film illustrating examples of how people across the country are becoming more media literate through their ability to access, understand and create a variety of media – IT, audio and video – to a range of different audiences.
To start the video, click on (or select) the image below
See also:
|
Download "Getting Inside the Box" - the Media Literacy Guide 2006: - [PDF file 1.6 MB] |
|
Download "Press the Red Button" - the Media Literacy Guide 2005: - [PDF file 598KB] |
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The Pan-European Preparatory Conference for CONFINTEA
The CONFINTEA preparatory conference is taking place in Budapest 3-5 December 2008. Download a copy Helen Keogh's keynote presentation (MS PowerPoint - 580kb) of the draft regional report, Adult Learning and Education in Europe, North America and Israel.
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The role of local authorities in adult learning
Especially at a time of economic uncertainty, local authorities have a duty to support all kinds of learning opportunities to ensure the wellbeing of all of their residents. This is one of the key messages of NIACE’s conference held in London on 1st December 2008. Local Power and Adult Learning aims to encourage and strengthen partnerships between local authorities and the broad adult learning agenda, through the exploration of three main themes - wellbeing, regeneration and social inclusion.
The conference offers:
| views from the Local Government Association (LGA) and local authorities on the role adult learning can play and the support needed to add maximum value; |
| examples of good practice in a variety of local government functional areas and |
| opportunities for discussion, questions and networking. |
Mick Murray, Development Officer in Community Learning at NIACE, said:
“This conference is about how adult learning can play into the different priorities of local government agendas and the specific themes being explored today are wellbeing, regeneration and social inclusion.”
He continued, “These three themes are of particular relevance at a time of economic recession. Local authorities have a special duty to safeguard the wellbeing of their residents and open the doors to all kinds of learning opportunities, to help people deal with employability and sustain happy and healthy lifestyles.”
Source: Press Release: "The role of role of local authorities in adult learning" - [PDF] Released On 01/12/2008
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