London,
23
May
2010
|
23:00
Europe/London

George Alagiah a highlight of Adult Learners Week

BBC News anchor and long-time Hackney resident George Alagiah was among the highlights of this year’s Adult Learners’ Week (15-21 May).

Learning for adults of all ages took centre stage with over 80 events taking place in libraries across the borough, including Mr Alagiah’s talk at Hackney Central Library on 18 May about his history as a Sri Lankan and later Ghanaian immigrant, and his beliefs on multiculturalism as a whole.

He said: “This is the first time I’ve given a talk about books in Hackney - this is an area where I believe multiculturalism has been a success.” He added as to his current position as a newsreader: “I used to travel all over as a foreign correspondent but bar elections or the odd earthquake I don’t get to get out much these days.”

Adult Learners’ Week offered residents the opportunity to participate in taster sessions for a whole host of educational, health and training-related courses, including baby First Aid, financial advice, growing fruit and vegetables, learning holiday Spanish and yoga.

Hackney Libraries offer many of the services highlighted in Adult Learners Week throughout the year , including online driving theory and UK citizenship practice tests, and resources for learning English as a second language.

Kim Wright, Corporate Director for Community Services, said: “Hackney Council is committed to supporting residents to access education and new skills, and Adult Learners’ Week provides a good way to do this through experienced mentors, as well as finding out about training or further educational opportunities.”

For more information, please contact 020 8356 5239, visit www.hackney.gov.uk/libraries or email libraries@hackney.gov.uk