‘Belfast a Learning City’ Launch – 10th February 2015

Be part of ‘Putting people at the heart of learning’

The Belfast Strategic Partnership’s (BSP’s) Lifelong Learning (LLL) Thematic Group launched its publication ‘Belfast a Learning City’ and Learning Charter today.

The aim of the publication and Learning Charter is to ensure that all Belfast citizens have equal access to learning opportunities, creating conditions for a better quality of life for everyone in the city.

Speaking at the launch, Danny Power, Chairperson of the BSP’s LLL Thematic Group said: “It is my pleasure on behalf of the Lifelong Learning Thematic Group to introduce our first publication: ‘Belfast a Learning City’. This publication can help shape a positive, proactive agenda for change in tackling inequality across the city and can act as a catalyst across central government lines.

He continued: “‘Belfast a Learning City’ can be a shining example of partnership working for Belfast and across Northern Ireland. There are many challenges in achieving this but based on our work and research we can better address the needs of Belfast citizens through a targeted and collaborative approach to Lifelong Learning.”

The Learning Charter sets out guiding principles and asks individuals and organisations to sign-up to:

• Creating a learning culture for Belfast that recognizes and values all forms of learning
• Developing an inclusive, innovative and strategic approach to Lifelong Learning through partnership working, which maximizes the reach and impact of all available resources
• Promoting collaborative working between key stakeholders that ensures equality of access between Lifelong Learning opportunities and informs excellence in the design and development of Lifelong Learning provision
• Realigning current and future skills with Northern Ireland’s economic needs.

Also speaking at the launch, about her own learning experience, Geraldine McKee said: “I left school at 15 years old, worked in Gallaghers Tobacco Company until I married and left work to raise my family.  I went back to work in the hospitality and health sectors before retiring in 1997.

After retiring I took part in a wide variety of courses ranging from computer skills, to personal development, Irish language, introduction to counselling and recently an Open University module on psychology plus many more.  These courses were vital in giving me confidence to join groups and speak out and lobby for better services on health, transport, fuel poverty and much more.”

Geraldine is a member of the West Belfast Older People’s Forum and represents this group on Greater Belfast Seniors Forum, a citywide forum for older people and intergenerational programmes.

 

 

ENDS

Further Information:

For all media enquiries please contact Debbie McGrory, Communications Officer, Belfast Health Development Unit on 9050 2073 /07753959016 or email debbie.mcgrory@bhdu.org

For further information on ‘Belfast a Learning City’ and the Learning Charter contact Dolores Atkinson, Project Development Outreach Officer, Belfast Health Development Unit by email:  dolores.atkinson@bhdu.org or telephone 9050 2073. ‘Belfast a Learning City’ can be viewed on:

www.makinglifebettertogether.com

 

Notes to Editors:

 

1. The Belfast Strategic Partnership (BSP) was established in February 2011 to address life inequalities, which are significant across Belfast and can be mapped against deprivation indicators. It is a multi-sectoral partnership with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast City Council and the Public Health Agency.

 

2. The BSP’s Lifelong Learning Thematic Group primary function is to develop and roll out ‘Belfast a Learning City’ publication and a Learning Charter for the city of Belfast. The Lifelong Learning Thematic Group, supported by the Belfast Health Development Unit, will take responsibility for the successful implementation of this publication and Charter.

 

3. To view ‘Belfast a Learning City’ and the Learning Charter visit: makinglifebettertogether.com

 

 

 

Return to News