Lockdown learning
Before the coronavirus pandemic Annie Heyes called herself an IT dinosaur. But the lockdown forced her and other members of Wynyard U3A to use digital technology in ways they would never have imagined.
Stories
Digital at the depot
A digital literacy training program at the City of Sydney run by NSW TAFE is ensuring that outdoor employees like Glen Freeney can successfully make the transition from manual paper based systems to electronic paperless ones.
Learning on the job
The WA government is trying to stem the flow of young people away from rural and regional towns by offering local learning opportunities that give them the skills to stay and work in their communities.
Singing for sweet freedom
It’s a decade since the Choir of Hard Knocks won our hearts with the uplifting story of how music can turn lives around. Sweet Freedom Singers, a choir of people from all walks of life, and of different abilities, continue the tradition.
Education for young mums
Young mums in the Victorian country town of Mildura are learning skills to deal with the challenges of being a young parent and re-engaging in education to help them on the pathway to a brighter future.
Older wiser drivers
For people over 60, driving on our roads today is very different to when they first got their licence. A growing number of older Victorians are signing up for classes to improve their safety and confidence behind the wheel.
Out of the ashes
The effect of devastating bushfires on Australian towns like Yarloop in WA are focussing attention on the work of community centres and the crucial role they play in disaster preparedness, recovery and rebuilding communities.
Better literacy better health
Low rates of adult literacy go hand in hand with poorer health and wellbeing. New research highlights how adult literacy programs for Indigenous Australians improves the health of people who’ve taken part.
Facing her fears
Having the support and encouragement of a mentor, learning Auslan, and work experience in the hearing world has brought Anita out of her shell. Once uncertain and shy, now she’s excited about her future.
Enabling employment
Technology giant Ericsson’s former warehouse is experiencing a new lease of life. Instead of storing new technology the building is an e-waste recycling hub that’s giving local people new opportunities for work and learning.
Turning life around
A supportive employer and an adult literacy tutor have turned life around for 26 year old Greg Nelson of WA. Greg was recently named one of three Adult Learners Week scholarship winners for his committment to improving his literacy skills.
Kylie’s still pinching herself
Two years ago Kylie Mahon and her five children were homeless in Sydney. But a return to learning has transformed her life. Kylie recently won an Adult Learners Week scholarship for her outstanding achievements.
Corrections on course
A chance conversation during a conference break about improving diversity in the workplace has led to an innovative South Australian course that prepares people for jobs in the growing corrections sector.
Glyde-In’s recipe for success
East Fremantle’s Glyde-In Community Learning Centre opened in 1981. In the next 20 years volunteer fatigue, funding uncertainty and declining membership pushed it to the brink of closure. But today it’s thriving.
Literacy takes a legal turn
A legal literacy program in Launceston Tasmania is helping people with legal paperwork and empowering them through a better understanding and awareness of the law and its impact in everyday life.