Family learning festival Thursday, October 22, 2009 - 10:01

With the annual Family Learning Festival underway - ending Sunday 31st October - NIACE believes it is important to demonstrate how Family Learning can change the lives of children, parents and carers by promoting well-being and the desire to learn.

Some families who have benefitted from learning together have won Adult Learners' Week awards:

The Graham Family, from Lancashire, have transformed their lives through learning together to read, to cook and make jewellery.

Lisa Graham said:

"My daughter and I have learnt a wide range of crafts and we have gathered materials so we can be creative together at home. I have learnt so much about child development and how to communicate with [my daughter] and my eldest children. It's so much easier to express myself and I have learnt coping mechanisms that allow me to be a much better parent."

I have learnt so much about child development and how to communicate with [my daughter] and my eldest children

Lisa Graham

 Peter Lovegrove, aged 40, from Sunderland, was terrified about joining a family learning course three years ago and never imagined that it would lead to a new career as an adult tutor.

Peter said:

"I am, for the first time, doing something I love and enjoy in the heart of my own community and I get paid for it. I never thought a family learning course to help support my children with their homework would change my family's life so much."

The Bloomer sisters - Helen, Sam and Eve - from Halesowen, went from being reluctant learners to becoming teaching assistants. The family's achievements are remarkable because of their commitment and the number of them involved; between them they have 18 children and five grandchildren.

Helen said:

"Learning together has been enjoyable because we have supported each other. We have managed to stay to the end of all our courses. Our children and family are very proud of us and what we have achieved."

NIACE's Family Learning work also contributes to the outcomes of Every Child Matters and supports many Government priorities like increasing prosperity, making stronger communities and having equality of opportunities.