Southend Adult Community College joins 'The Crisis Campaign'
The Coalition is being led by ‘Crisis’ – a London-based homelessness charity, who see learning and the acquisition of skills as a route out of poverty and homelessness.
However, in the light of recent decisions, the Governments priorities for post-16 education mean that opportunities for adults to learn are being cut dramatically. Numbers taking part in adult education are falling and it is the vulnerable, disadvantaged adults who are missing out on opportunities to build new skills and gain qualifications.
The coalition’s call to government is to ensure adequate funding is made available to Colleges and other providers, to enable the delivery of high quality learning opportunities to disadvantaged learners.
Learning benefits everyone at each stage of their lives, regardless of previous achievements. Practical skills help homeless people, many of whom may have no qualifications, to manage their tenancies, develop budgeting skills and stay out of debt. Learning for pleasure promotes independence in old age, for example delaying or offsetting the onset of Alzheimer’s. And education and training can have a big impact on reducing offending rates.
Alan Tuckett, Director of NIACE (National Institute of Adult Continuing Education) said “Adult learning makes a difference – to the economy of course, to health, well-being, confidence and to our ability to help our children. We cut opportunities at our peril.��?
