This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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More help for learning centres
12/09/2005
Scotland's network of learning centres is to be strengthened thanks to a £1.5 million financial package announced today.
Those learning centres who are most in need will share the cash boost as learndirect scotland presented awards to recognise the achievements of learners.
Speaking in Edinburgh at the learndirect scotland Celebration of Learning award ceremony, Deputy Minister for Lifelong Learning Allan Wilsonb said:
"It is vital both for the economy and for society that we spread the message about the value of learning. The Scottish Executive is committed to doing that and we are spending £8.5 million this year alone to enable learndirect scotland to encourage more into learning.
"We also recognise the benefit in supporting community learning centres so that they can give local people access to learning.
"So I am delighted to announce that that we shall give learndirect scotland an additional £1.5m over the next three years to support vulnerable learning centres across the country.
"These centres often play a key role in our communities - bringing learning nearer and offering different opportunities for learning. They are an important part of our efforts to build a culture of lifelong learning.
"I am sure that this new fund will help learning centres overcome some of the difficulties they face and that they will welcome this investment.
"I am pleased to make the announcement of this £1.5m fund at the Celebration of Learning event today. All those being recognised today are a fantastic example to the rest of us about having the courage and confidence to learn.
"We are committed to encouraging more in Scotland to get into learning. That is why we have now extended the Individual Learning Account (ILA) Scotland scheme to make it open to all.
"I am proud that the ILA Scotland scheme is providing more opportunities for learning and I urge more people across Scotland to take advantage of these opportunities and make learning work for them.
"Today's 'Learning Champions' have shown us how it's possible to take advantage of the various learning opportunities that are available in Scotland."
The criteria that have been set for learning centres to benefit from the fund are:
- Centres must have proven community engagement/value;
- Financial vulnerability due to the nature of core funding; and
- Ability to show future sustainability as a result of intervention.
The learndirect scotland Celebration of Learning includes the following categories:
- Young Learner of the Year;
- Career Changer of the Year;
- Job Finder of the Year;
- Older Learner of the Year;
- Personal Achiever of the Year;
- Learning Employee of the Year;
- Learning Employer of the Year;
- Learning Centre of the Year;
- Champion Learner of the Year 2005; and
- Winner of the Brian Michie Award
On 1 August the Deputy Minister for Enteprise and Lifelong Learning announced an extension to the ILA Scotland scheme. ILA Scotland had been launched with a provision of £200 for low income learners. On 1 August it was announced that ILA Scotland would also provide anyone over 18 up to £100 for ICT learning.