The British Future & Belong Network report, The State of Us, is an important and timely reminder there is more work to be done to support and strengthen communities. The WEA welcomed the opportunity to submit evidence and since doing so we've updated our own learner survey demonstrating even more strongly that lifelong learning is a powerful way of bringing people together.
Our survey found:
- 88% WEA learners meet people on our courses they wouldn't usually meet, with 64% meeting people from different backgrounds
- 87% WEA learners reported gaining skills that could help them in voluntary work - volunteering being one of the main ways of strengthening relationships between people
- 47% WEA learners said they felt less isolated & more socially connected
And yet adult education budgets are being slashed. What funding remains will be directed towards narrow work-based outcomes, leaving the future of courses that best support people to learn together, make friends and share their new skills and knowledge with their family and neighbours at risk. Courses that are especially critical in divided, disconnected and disadvantaged areas where many WEA learners live.
Stronger communities require opportunities to learn and grow together.
Thanks once again to British Future and Belong for including us in the report. We hope policymakers take note and we look forward to continuing the discussion and the work of the Independent Commission on Community & Cohesion.
