Thanks to Dave for this latest news from Learning arm of the POA.
It was started by the Prison Union, but is now available to the community at large and a separate organisation from the Union. They are funded through Unionlearn which is part of the TUC. Ed
POA Learning in conjunction with unionlearn (part of the TUC) staged a successful Family learning festival during the half term holidays in Shanklin.
The event was held at the Shanklin Voluntary Youth and Community Centre and funded by unionlearn. Many thanks Adrian Ryan of unionlearn for making the funds available and also to Bridget Biddlecombe of the Youth and Community centre for her help in making this venue available to us.
Providing space for parents to discuss opportunities
The idea behind this festival was to provide a fun and free arts and crafts session for the kids which would in turn give the adults some freedom to discuss with the providers what adult education opportunities may be available for them on the Isle of Wight.
The festival was supported by several organisations on the Island including POA Learning, The Isle of Wight College, The National Careers Service, The Island Volunteer Service, The Shanklin Early Help Centre, The Health Trainers and also MC Enhancements.
Exhibitors
The Isle of Wight Council provided and excellent display of First World War Uniforms and equipment which created great interest for both adults and children.
Unite the Union had a presence as did the anti-austerity group Unite the Isle of Wight.
The Wightlink Raiders Ice Hockey Supporters club were also on hand to provide the occasional game of bounce Ice Hockey on the floor and the Candyman was there to provide sweets and Candy Floss for everybody.
The Equals Group, a support group for ladies who do not speak English as a first language, cooked constantly for all through the day – some of the recipes they produced were great – the banana flavoured spring rolls were great.
Over 150 attended
The festival was busy from the word go with approximately 150 people attending and the room active and noisy throughout. Several families returning for a second visit in the course of the day.
The arts and crafts table was in constant use and several trips into town had to be made in the course of the day to top up on arts and crafts supplies.
Councillors met residents
The event was also supported by Councillor Steve Stubbing who spent a good part of the day in the room talking to the families and also attended and given support by Shanklin mayor Jon Gilbey and Councillor Richard Priest.
Unionlearn and POA learning are grateful of the support.
Following on from the four successful festivals run around the Island last year we were delighted that this festival carried on and exceeded the good work of making adult education through trades Unions available to all on the Isle of Wight.
