Adult learning faces axe

A funding crisis is threatening three voluntary organisations, all playing an important role in promoting adult education, creating good relations and empowering communities.

What they have in common is that they are funded by the Department for Employment and Learning and in all cases DEL has indicated that it is proposing to cut off the money next year. DEL has not consulted on its proposals or published any equality impact assessment even though they have huge implications for Northern Ireland's 'learning poor' and for Section 75 groups.

Educational Guidance Service for Adults

EGSA is celebrating 40 years of educational guidance for adults, but its funding is due to end in March 2008 and there is still no timetable for tendering to provide services after that date.

Eleanor Speers, assistant director, fills in the background.

Worker's Educational Association

The WEA, facing a decision by the Department for Employment and Learning to end its funding next year, has launched a campaign to protect learning.

Director Stevie Johnston sets out the case for continued funding and calls for support.

Ulster People's College

DEL is pursuing a policy too narrowly focused on the skills needed for the economy at the expense of citizenship, personal and community development and creativity, argues Johnston Price, director of the Ulster People’s College, whose funding is also affected by the DEL decision.