The Three Cs – Coping with Cultural Change

The overall aim of the project has been to identify, transfer and develop innovative methods, in formal and non-formal adult education to cope with socio-economic changes by identifying the needs of the target group.

The Three C’s project shares best practice and utilises those learning methods to enable participants to enrich their lives and gain greater understanding of similar concerns in other European countries.

Each organisation created a group of adult learners who decided which methods would be used to illustrate how they cope with cultural change. The UK group used creative writing and art; the German group chose digital photography and the Romanian group – the medium of drama. This often meant participants learnt new skills.

Groups met in their own institutions on a regular basis. During the year, two international mobilities were held which were attended by representatives from each country. The first of these was held in the UK at the end of February 2006 and the second in Italy in May 2006. At these seminars time was taken to discuss the project work taking place in each country. In addition it was an opportunity to gain knowledge about the host country and the other participants through sharing life experiences.

Group members communicated via the Web between seminars.

The main achievements of year one were the development of greater understanding of other European cultures and the learning of new skills. Examples include presentations made by each organisation at the seminars and writing in a constructive and creative way.

Another achievement was the way in which the whole group bonded despite their differences; learners were aged from 20 – 70+ with a vast array of backgrounds, knowledge and interests.

The project is expected to continue for a further year during which time materials for dissemination will be produced. Final decisions on how this will be achieved have not yet been made.

Italy: Regional Institute for Technical Assistance in Agriculture

Germany: Senior Citizens Organisation

Romania: Community Safety and Mediation Centre

Sweden: Health Care College

UK: Adult Residential College

Yes – learners were actively involved from the outset. Once the UK group had been formed, decisions as to how the group should progress including the medium to record the findings, timetable for meetings, programme for the UK seminar and which delegates to send to Italy were all made by the group as a whole.

On the organisation
The organisation has become more aware of this type of work and its impact on adult learners. The project has also assisted the organisation in raising its local and national profile.

On staff
Staff were actively involved in the seminar held at Pendrell Hall and gained a greater understanding not only of the work being undertaken, but the different cultures within Europe.

On adult learners
The adult learners involved in the project have become a cohesive unit. They have learned many new skills, gained greater knowledge of different European cultures and some have had a chance to visit another European group. It has been an enlightening experience for all involved.

On outside bodies
The County Council has become aware of this type of project and its benefits to adult learners.

David Evans
Pendrell Hall College
Codsall Wood
Staffs
WV8 1QP

Telephone no.: 01902 434112

Email: David.g.evans@staffordshire.gov.uk

Top of page