Free taster courses on offer during Adult Learners' Week
Adults interested in learning new skills or taking up a new hobby can pick from a huge range of free taster courses across Hackney during this year’s Adult Learners’ Week.
The packed programme of events includes everything from silversmithing, creative writing, book keeping and growing food in window boxes to first aid, money management, Egyptian dance and make-up classes.
Those wanting to boost their tech skills can sign up to an introduction to the internet, email, smartphones and ipads or find out about blogging and how to use Adobe Photoshop. Parents can also find out how to keep themselves and their children safe online.
The free taster sessions are run by education and learning providers in Hackney at venues across the borough, brought together by the council’s Adult Learning Services.
Our annual Adult Learners Week programme highlights the many opportunities for lifelong learning in Hackney. If you’re thinking about studying for a formal qualification, want to brush up on skills like literacy or IT, or want to take up a new hobby, this is the ideal opportunity to give something a go for free and find out about what’s on offer in our borough.
Marjorie Campbell, 44, of Victoria Park, returned to learning a few years ago. She said: “I found my literacy course really rewarding. The tutor made me feel more confident and took the fear out of applying for further courses. I’ve now passed my teaching assistant course and have a part-time job as a teaching assistant at Lauriston School.”
Emmanuel Aneuyaju, 70, of Lower Clapton, is taking a course at the Hackney Silver Surfers Centre. He said: ““Everything we do now is online - shopping, news, keeping in touch with relatives abroad. I have benefited from the course I do with Age UK a lot; I used to have to ask my children for help, but now they are proud to see me doing my own thing.”
The week will kick off with a launch event on from 12-4pm on Saturday 18 May outside Hackney Learning Trust/Hackney Museum. Staff from the Adult Learning Team will be on hand to offer free advice. There will also be performances from a steel pan band and an Egyptian dance troupe.
Find out more about adult learning, the taster courses available, and how to book a place at: http://www.learningtrust.co.uk/adult_learning