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19 May, 2006
SIX community learning centres in Shetland are being officially welcomed into
the national fold on Saturday, when they join the "learndirect Scotland"
national network.
The Shetland College outreach learning centres in Aith, Lerwick, Whalsay,
Dunrossness, Brae and Unst are based in public buildings such as leisure centres
and community offices.
So far this year, more than 350 learners have enrolled in the centres, which
offer a wide range of courses, including communication, literacy, numeracy and
IT skills. Access to further and higher education courses online or by video
conferencing is also available through Shetland College and the University of
the Highlands and Islands.
Tomorrow (Saturday), a commemorative plaque will be presented to each of the six
learning centres to brand them as part of learndirect Scotland, which has 500
centres nationwide.
George Junor, senior learning centre development manager with learndirect
Scotland, said: "That all six learning centres have now received learndirect
Scotland branded status is a real achievement and an important milestone both
for learndirect Scotland and Shetland College.
"Centres such as these champion community learning and we are extremely
encouraged by the high standards being set here in Shetland. Centres like these
are proving invaluable in opening up opportunities for people who may not
otherwise have engaged in learning."
Joan Morrison, a learner from West Mainland Learning Centre, said: "I have found
the learning opportunities at my local learning centre invaluable and intend to
carry on learning as much as I can. I would encourage others to find out what's
on offer at their local learning centre."
George Smith, acting director of Shetland College, added: "Gaining learndirect
scotland branded status is a real boost to the community learning network. It
increases the learning opportunities available throughout the whole of Shetland
and further strengthens the role of the college in the community."
The network works in close partnership with Careers Scotland, Shetland Islands
Council, Shetland Enterprise, the Shetland Adult Literacy Partnership and
Shetland College Partners of the Shetland Community.
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