Making a Difference

Building Stronger Communities

Moray Learners Make Connections

Adult learners from Moray didn't just attend "Get Connected" - a conference for adult literacy learners in the North of Scotland - they planned, organised and managed the whole event.

Moray Adult Learners' Forum (MALF) exists to provide support for learners, by learning, and to inform both policy and practice in adult literacy learning.  Having valued the contact made with learners from other areas MALF jumped at the chance to run the event when Communities Scotland provided a grant.  Initial excitement and enthusiasm was tempered with the anxiety that they did not have the skills or confidence to pull it off.

They need not have worried because the event - "Get Connected -  to learning in the North" was a resounding success.  70 participants, 50 of whom were residential, travelled from the Western Isles, Shetland, Highland, Aberdeen, Angus and of course Moray to take part in a variety of workshops involving literacy and numeracy.  These ranged from poetry and creative writing, to Doric language, having fun with numbers, using cartoons and animation and song-writing.  With a presentation on MALF and a workshop on learners' forums, there was a strong focus on forums and participation and on how adult learners can have their say.

"We wanted to bring learners together to share experiences and provide support for each other.  If you have struggled with reading and writing it is good to know that you are not alone."                                                    Cherie McMillan, MALF spokesperson

"During the event there was lots of comments about how confident and efficient the MALF members were at taking on all the tasks associated with the conference.  They hadn't considered themselves as role models before but this is what they became and they have inspired others."                                        Althea Forbes, MALF coordinator