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Henry McLeish says Lifelong Learning for all is the goal
30/08/1999
Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Henry McLeish today stressed the importance of lifelong learning to the future success of Scotland both economically and socially.
Officially opening the new £230,000 Cosmos Centre in St Andrews, a lifelong learning Centre developed by Glenrothes College in conjunction with Fife Council and the Cosmos Community Centre, Mr McLeish said:
"Lifelong learning is for everyone today. Not just for the few or those leaving school whose natural progression is to take more advanced vocational and academic qualifications. My aim is to help build a new culture of lifelong learning that cuts across traditional boundaries and reaches people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities.
"There has never been a more important time for people to continue the learning process into adulthood, no matter how much or how little they achieved at school or in post-school education. As a Government, we are also committed to promoting greater social inclusion in Scotland. We want to encourage a society in which everyone, regardless of their personal or economic circumstances, is able to make the most of the opportunities available to them.
"My vision for lifelong learning is that all sections of society should feel able to help themselves, through extending their knowledge and education, in whatever direction they wish. But colleges cannot always expect students to come to them. It is equally important for colleges to be able to take education right into communities, easing transport and access problems for potential students.
"That is why I am so encouraged by the flexible approach adopted by Glenrothes College in developing the Cosmos Centre and the many other outreach centres which they and other colleges of further education have opened in recent years. The Cosmos Centre is an excellent facility that can benefit a great many people, young and old, in the St Andrews area and assist them in achieving lifelong learning."
BACKGROUND
1. Start up costs for the Cosmos Centre amounted to some £230,000. Glenrothes College was the major contributor providing £180,000, including a £16,000 grant from Scottish Executive Widening Access budget, towards fitting out, equipment and staffing costs. Fife Council provided £40,000 towards car park costs and the Cosmos Community Centre Board Management gave a £7,500 donation.
2. The Cosmos Centre now provides courses from non-advanced to HNC level in a wide range of subjects, including computing, electronics, child care, business administration and accounting. All age groups are catered for, from those at primary school ages to senior citizens. Today's official opening brought to 16 the number of outreach centres operated by Glenrothes College.
News Release: SE0453/99
30 August 1999