Adult Learners' Week - A celebration of learning Tuesday, April 28, 2009 - 17:24

TV and radio presenter Philippa Forrester is giving her backing to the UK's largest festival of learning - Adult Learners' Week - which takes place from 9th to 15th May 2009.

Co-ordinated by NIACE - the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education - Adult Learners' Week encourages all adults to think about taking up learning and to start a journey that can completely transform their lives.

Philippa Forrester returned to learning as an adult to study a degree in Ecology and Conservation - gaining a First - at Birkbeck College in London, while she continued to present Tomorrow's World.

Phillipa said:

"I chose Ecology because I am passionate about the whole subject. It turned a corner in my career. It allowed doors to be opened to me that had previously been closed. It gave me the extra knowledge and skills that boosted my confidence.

She continued:

"Learning is one of the best parts of living. It is just so much more interesting than sitting in front of the TV night after night. It can move you on with your career and the skills and knowledge gained can allow you to contribute to society and the world in general."

Philippa would like to learn carpentry next:

"I would just love to be able to pick up the tools myself and set to and create something beautiful in wood."

All over the country thousands of Adult Learners' Week events will take place attracting tens of thousands of people. These activities cover a whole range of learning taster-sessions including courses for IT, maths and literacy, to more specialist activities including, Be Nice to Bees, Buddha's Birthday and Tudor Skills and Sonnet Reading.

These learning events give people the chance to have a close look at the type of learning opportunities that are available, whatever and however they want to learn.

Rachel Thomson, Senior Campaigns Officer at NIACE, said:

"Adult Learners' Week is a chance to get involved, to make a difference and to - maybe - change your life. With thousands of events and taster sessions taking place up and down the country - in museums, libraries, colleges and community centres - it's the ideal time to try your hand at something new, to learn new skills or rediscover a long-lost interest. Learning as an adult is good for your health, your self-esteem and your employability, so don't miss out on the opportunities available."