Sharon overcomes technophobia to inspire local communities
Sharon Morris, from Treherbert, used ICT for the first time at the age of 50, when she began to do voluntary work with a local community radio project. She needed to be able to perform admin tasks to continue volunteering and decided to undertake training in Microsoft Office and digital broadcasting studio software.
In a matter of months Sharon grasped the skills she needed to become the project manager’s assistant and has carried out a wide variety of tasks including recruiting over 60 volunteers to assist with delivering the scheme. She is also involved in the administration of all three stations through the use of PCs and digital broadcasting equipment.
Sharon says: “I used to find my lack of computer knowledge embarrassing and I nearly quit volunteering. However, I was determined to prove myself and to help others in the community and am now thrilled that I have learnt new ICT skills. My experience of learning has been so positive I would recommend anyone to give it a go.”
If you share Sharon’s technophobia or would like to learn something different why not get involved in adult learners week. A weeklong ‘Festival of Learning’ which is set to take place throughout Rhondda Cynon Taf to celebrate Adult Learners’ Week 2009, between 9th and 16th May.
A wide selection of free taster sessions and workshops will take place across the County Borough, giving local people of all ages and abilities the chance to try out new activities and pick up new skills.
Just some of the activities taking place include, passport to employment, gardening, buying and selling on ebay, digital photography, volunteering, construction tasters, big cook, little cook, pole dancing to keep fit and lots more.
Lynette El-Khatib, Head of Adult Learning at RCT Council, said: “Adult Learners' Week gives you the opportunity, whatever your age and background, to give learning a go: whether it's learning for pleasure, catching up on skills missed out on at school or getting that new job or promotion. It also celebrates the learning achievements of those adults already learning and brings their inspirational stories to a wider audience.”
Across the UK over 30,000 people took part in Adult Learners' Week events in 2008 and most of those have gone on to learn new skills and have opened the doors to their future.
Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning, Councillor, Eudine Hanagan, said: “We are proud of the extensive range of services we offer in adult education, providing a range of academic and non-academic subjects that enable our residents, irrespective of their age, interests or ability, to pursue a brighter future. Adult Learners Week gives residents the opportunity to try all sorts of activities and make an informed decision on what they would like to commit to doing. Learning new skills is particularly important in the current economic climate.”
For more information on events taking place in your area throughout the week call 01443 741332.
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Content authorised by: Marketing & Communications Team
Last revised on: 5/5/2009