Learning in the Community
There are many opportunities for Learning across the Borders Community. The Council often works in partnership with other organisations to plan and deliver these.
Courses, workshops, activities, clubs, events and exhibitions are offered in a variety of venues. For more information on some of these opportunities, follow the links below:
The Council's Education and Lifelong Learning department is involved in a number of projects which support the development of community based learning. Some examples are:
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Community Grid for Learning - This is providing a single source of online information, advice and support to existing and new learners. ICT training and community website development are also important features of the project. The partner organisations are NHS Borders, Careers Scotland, Borders Forum of Councils for Voluntary Service, Scottish Borders Council (Lifelong Care and Education & Lifelong Learning).
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Dialogue Youth - This is a dynamic initiative that enables young people to have their voices heard and become active citizens in their local community. Through Dialogue Youth, young people will be able to engage fully in the community planning process enabling them to inform and influence decisions that are taken on their behalf and make informed choices. Dialogue Youth also provides a platform for young people to express their views and opinions through outlets such as the Young Scot website and by linking in with pupil councils, youth forums and other youth participation structures. Dialogue Youth in the Scottish Borders is delivered through a partnership between the voluntary youth work sector, Council departments and public sector agencies.
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Learning for All - This is the Adult Literacies Learning project in the Scottish Borders. The project aims to provide Adult Literacies Learning, A Learner's Forum, Literacies Awareness Raising, Staff Training and Development. The partners are Scottish Borders Council Community Learning & Development, Borders College and new provision funded by the Scottish Executive through the Scottish Borders Learning Partnership.
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The People's Network - This project is a lottery-funded government initiative which gives FREE access to internet and computing facilities in all UK public libraries. All 12 libraries in the Scottish Borders are part of this exciting new project, making a total of 88 computers available across the region’s public libraries. The project allows library users to create and produce their own documents, graphics and web pages. It offers improved access to the Internet, providing opportunities for education, training, guidance and employment. A range of assistive equiment is available to help anyone who has difficulty using a standard mouse or keyboard.
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Computer Bus - The bus uses satellite technology to provide access to the Internet and provides basic computer training in rural and isolated communities across the Scottish Borders. It is similar to the mobile library in that there is a set route, but in addition to providing access to the internet, the bus offers training and a range of standard courses, as well as tailoring course to individual's own needs. For more information, visit the website: www.thecomputerbus.org.uk
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Scottish Borders Social Inclusion Partnership is a multi-agency initiative which aims to promote the inclusion and involvement of disadvantaged young people aged 10 – 25. In particular, SBSIP aims to enable these young people to influence decisions about their lives in areas such as leisure, health, education and employment.
New course to help you prepare for elected Office
Have you ever wanted to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of a Councillor? Do you want to learn more about how the Council works? Are you perhaps interested in standing as a Councillor in the May 2007 elections? Or do you want to develop a role within the community or voluntary sector? Then look no further.
From January 2007, Scottish Borders Council is running its highly regarded 'Preparing for Elected Office' course for anyone aspiring to take up elected office in local government.
David Hume, SBC's Chief Executive commends the course to anyone who may be thinking of taking a role in local government, "Being a Councillor offers challenging and fascinating experiences and provides a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the community and the future of the Borders. But with these opportunities comes responsibility and our course provides an excellent route for potential Councillors to develop a real insight into the responsibilities of modern local government".
The course will run every Wednesday evening from 24 January-14 March 2007, 7.00 - 9.15pm. All sessions will take place at Scottish Borders Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells. The cost for the course is £25.00 but a fee waiver will be considered if candidates are 'unwaged'.
For more information or an application form, please contact Marjorie Hutton on 01835 824000, ext. 5812 or e-mail mhutton@scotborders.gov.uk or Caroline Smith on 01835 825020 or e-mail csmith@scotborders.gov.uk. The course outline programme is also available to download.
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