|
Local Authority or Community Partnership
"The technological revolution is changing the way many of us live and work.. ICT can be a powerful tool for transforming not just the lives of the mainstream, but also of those who are on the margins of society..If effectively applied, technology can reconnect the excluded, empower and enhance their opportunities and improve the delivery of tailored services to meet their needs."
Jim Fitzpatrick MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, November 2005
New Life Learning is an ICT based elearning company with a difference. We have an innovative approach that is successfully engaging hard to reach and vulnerable groups, including those suffering multiple disadvantage. We work, in partnership with Central and Local Government, Local Area Partnerships, Education, Adult and Children’s Services for a comprehensive delivery of ICT based learning services right across the community. Our strategy is entirely consistent with the Lisbon Agenda, the EU i2010 initiative and the Riga Convention.
We measure ourselves by our contribution to society and we exclude no-one. We contribute by building capacity and sustainability in transfer of skills and reinvestment. This is done in a number of ways:-
- engaging adults who may have felt themselves outside the scope of further learning
- imparting valuable life and ICT skills in an enjoyable way
- transferring employable skills to the community through train-the-trainer programmes
- providing sustainable employment opportunities as trainers
- providing shared services and expertise to community groups
- re-investing a proportion of our surpluses back into the community
Despite the proliferation of broadband and the penetration of computers in households, research has shown that over 80% of families at risk of social exclusion, have no ICT ability. Engagement with these families to create competence and confidence in using new technology is seen as the greatest challenge if we are to halt the growth of intergenerational poverty.
New Life Learning ICT based programmes create competence and confidence in using new technology. We consistently achieve 80 -100% completion rates, among the hardest to reach groups. Most of our learners are early school leavers with no previous computer skills. Literacy issues are overcome, many of our multi-ethnic learners gain the additional benefit of developing their English language skills. Our programmes are relevant, motivating and inspiring, giving the learner the confidence to embrace change. Programmes support the holistic development of the adult as well as the parent. The positive feedback generated in the community as a result of the programmes, creates a knock on effect, inspiring others to change.
Our approach is backed up by ongoing research and evaluation.
Hear what others are saying about our courses:
“New Life Learning courses have made a significant contribution to the personal development of so many citizens. They should be mainstreamed.” Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Seamas Brennan
“You are using new technology to address old issues” Director General, Office of the Minister for Children, Sylda Langford
“This is work of immense social contribution” Fionnuala Kilfeather, Chair, National Parents Council, Primary.
“Running this course was so valuable for the individual but also on so many levels, for the centre, it brought new people in to use the resources, it provided training for a local person to train as a facilitator and for the community in the positive atmosphere it has created. It has achieved far more than we thought possible.” Community Development Manager.
“We have a computer at home but I was afraid to use it…. I used to dust it! I would never have signed up for a computer course. I would have been too afraid. Now I want to surf the net…..my kids are so proud of me” Mum at home - Inner-City Regeneration Project.
“This course is great and I get to use a computer! When is the next course starting? I’ve told my daughters all about it and they want to start”. Grandmother from the Traveller Community.
“I think I can be a better dad because of this course. My own home life wasn’t great so this course has really helped me be more confident with my kids and it’s given me a computer skill.” Dad, ex-drug offender.
“Our group arranged childcare over the summer holidays so we could keep going on this course. We didn’t want to miss a week. I never thought I could use a computer, I never thought I would be setting goals for myself, this course has really changed the way I view myself.” Mothers at home - community organisations
If you would like further information, please complete the contact details below or speak to Ann Donnelly Director or Sean Healy Director, New Life Learning, telephone 00 353 1 4934958.
|
