What is Community Learning and Development?
"Community learning and development (CLD) is learning and social development work with individuals and groups in their communities using a range of formal and informal methods. A common defining feature is that programmes and activities are developed in dialogue with communities and participants…(CLD's) main aim is to help individuals and communities tackle real issues in their lives through community action and community-based learning."
(Working and Learning Together to Build Stronger Communities, Scottish Government Guidance for Community Learning and Development, 2004)
Building on Working and Learning Together to Build Stronger Communities: A joint statement on community learning and development (CLD), including adult literacy and numeracy (ALN), by the Scottish Government and COSLA.
On Friday 28 November 2008, Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, and Councillor Harry McGuigan, COSLA spokesperson for the Community Wellbeing and Safety Executive Group, launched their Joint Statement on Community Learning and Development (CLD), including Adult Literacy and Numeracy (ALN).
The joint statement, which builds on Working and Learning Together to build Stronger Communities (WALT), sets out their joint vision for CLD in Scotland, and offers a helpful resource, prompting those developing SOAs to reflect on and maximise the contribution CLD makes to achieving outcomes and ultimately making the most of its potential to play a part in transforming the lives of all Scotland's people.
Access a copy of the covering letter and the Scottish Government/COSLA Joint Statement.
Up-skilling the community learning and development (CLD) workforce
The Scottish Government is investing in developing the CLD workforce across Scotland. Resources have been identified for 2009-10 and 2010-11. Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) is managng the delivery of the first stage of the programme up until March 2010.
Growing Excellence outlines the key priorities and background to the up-skilling programme.
More information on this programme can be found in the Upskilling the CLD workforce page.
Presentation materials - Building on "Working and Learning Together to Build Stronger Communities
You can view a set of PowerPoint slides designed to be used by partners for presentations on the Joint Statement in a range of settings (and to be adapted as required). The slides are supported by notes that provide background information. Along with this we have suggested some questions that you may wish to use to promote and focus discussion (or again to adapt for the particular circumstances in which you are using the material).