Community Learning, an Adult Community Education program, is transforming nervous learners into confident employees. Over 400 learners, many of whom are refugees, carers, mums returning to work after many years at home, or are challenged with literacy and numeracy, have studied with Community Learning in the past 12 months. An impressive 90% of learners have gone on to further study or showed measured improvement in foundation skills.  1 in 3 achieved employment. The program isn’t slowing down with more courses running right now at various locations in Adelaide and the surrounding areas.

Community Learning, run by the Not for Profit Community Centres SA and funded by the Department for Education, addresses the community’s need for foundation skills courses in welcoming and local community spaces. Foundation skills include basic numeracy, literacy, and digital skills as well as confidence and self-esteem building that are essential for succeeding in our modern society.

The success of the program has come from its unique connection to community and teaching approach. All classes are taught in neighbourhood Community Centres and other community locations that are non-stigmatised and inclusive. The specialist trainers approach education by understanding that the barriers to learning are often built over many years of hard knocks and persistent disadvantage. And then there is the provision of additional one to one mentors who support the learners every step of the way to identify goals and pathways to improved connections in their community.

“When I came [to Australia from Egypt], I had lots of mixed feelings. Sometimes I felt disappointed and sometimes confused. I had many questions in my mind, how can I start, should I start from scratch? But finally, all these feelings changed when I joined the Community Learning Course,” Silvana, Community Learning Learner. “Throughout my course time, I basically felt wrapped up with care and support. [The trainers] knew what I was looking for and what I needed. [The Course] was the key for everything that came after.”
Silvana went on to business coaching sessions and started her own business. She has recently had her first customer and is looking forward to the future.

Community Learning welcomes learners to the classroom who are looking to grow their confidence, prepare for additional study and gain skills to help them obtain work. With their generous trainers and mentors, learners feel supported for their whole journey and finish ready to take the next step towards achieving their goals. Discover all the courses around your local area: learning.communitycentressa.asn.au or phone, 8371 4622.