Milestone occasion has community at its heart
People attending a celebration marking 60 years of community education at Edinburgh will hear why the subject remains as vital as ever.
Speakers at the University event will stress the ongoing importance of community organisations to protect the interests of the most vulnerable.
The online forum will highlight that Covid-19 has intensified the need for qualified professionals in community learning and development (CLD).
CLD includes community-based adult learning, youth work and community capacity building – teaching skills that give people greater control of their lives and assist inclusive local development.
Keynote address
Scottish Government Minister Richard Lochhead will give the keynote address at the event on 24 February, which is hosted by Moray House School of Education and Sport.
The Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science said he has been inspired by the work carried by CLD workers during the pandemic.
“The commitment and innovative response has been phenomenal – from door-to-door deliveries to creating outdoor learning spaces,” said Mr Lochhead.
“Their readiness to adapt and keep supporting learners has seen many vulnerable people and communities through this ongoing health crisis.”
Complex skills
Fellow speaker Dr Marion Allison, Director of CLD Standards Council for Scotland, said practitioners need a range of complex skills, knowledge and understanding.
“The contexts in which these skills need to be applied are subject to rapid change. The distinctive role of CLD requires practitioners who are properly prepared and who continue to refresh their competences,” said Dr Allison.
Head of School Professor Richard Andrews said Moray House has a proud record of producing CLD graduates who helped people build a more vibrant democratic culture – both in their communities and in wider society.
“Community learning and development is known as the empowering profession and CLD programmes have been a vital part of the Moray House portfolio since 1961, producing skilled professionals qualified to work alongside communities for social justice,” said Professor Andrews.
New programme
Moray House is to launch its newest undergraduate programme – the MA (Honours) Learning in Communities – in September.
This new professionally endorsed qualification builds on the excellence of the former BA Community Education, enabling graduates to apply for a range of careers.
This event, which starts at 10.45am on 24 February, will take place on Zoom. Details of how to join will be sent 24 hours in advance to everyone registered.
Related links
Image credit: Moray House