THE Victorian Government last week announced much-needed funds for two of the region’s most valuable learning facilities.
Member for Eastern Metropolitan Region Shaun Lean said The Basin Community House would receive $178,000 from the latest round of the $4 million Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board’s Capacity and Innovation grants.
The initiative is designed to encourage the development of more effective ways of supporting learners who may have previously struggled with education.
The ultimate aim is to foster the development of new skills to increase job prospects.
The Basin Community House manager Heather McTaggart said funds would be put to good use.
“We and partnering organisations, Orana Neighbourhood House and Knoxbrooke, which are all Learn Local providers, are delighted with the announcement,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Mountain District Learning Centre in Ferntree Gully will receive $50,000 from the grants.
The centre will create an adult literacy network as a way to improve the literacy of adults in the Outer Easter Suburbs.
The project will focus on improving access to literary programs by responding to the specific needs of learners as identified by network members and by tailoring specific learning programs for them.
The network will work to raise awareness of adult literacy and reduce the stigma.
ACFE Board chair Rowena Allen said the grants would also strengthen the links between Learn Local organisations and their communities by helping to establish new partnerships for the benefit of learners.
“There are 312 Learn Local organisations across Victoria that provides a range of courses in a community board setting, with specialised skills in engaging with people who have traditionally faced barriers to education,” she said.
“These grants will help organisations better meet the needs of learners and also strengthen partnerships with other Learn Local organisations, local industry and training providers, benefiting the community.”
For more information about Learn Local, visit www.learnlocal.org.au.
