Below are two stories from parents who took part in training delivered by Belfast Metropolitan College to The New Lodge Schools Cluster Group. Their stories highlight the impact that family learning can have on not only the parent / learner but their children (our future parents) and their extended family. They are truly inspirational stories and clearly show how learning can empower and change lives. The training offered to these learners was accredited through the Open College Network NI.
Thank you to Belfast Metropolitan College, Peter McCartney, for submitting these stories and to Orla Leonard, the Parent Support Officer for New Lodge Schools’ Cluster, who’s dedication and hard work contributed to the success of this programme.
Michelle’s Story
I have 3 children and taking part in family learning has had a big impact on my life. I haven’t worked in ten years since my children were born. So before I started doing courses at the parents centre my day involved leaving my children to school and returning home with my 5 month old child to clean the house.
I wasn’t involved in any formal learning since leaving school and didn’t complete my GSCEs. So I always felt that I missed out by not doing my exams at school and felt opportunities to learn in adult life were not there. Getting involved in courses at the parents centre gave me the chance to learn that I needed and craved.
Since doing the courses there is a more fulfilling structure to my day. Going to the parents centre gives me time for myself and I get to meet others and share experiences with them. I also feel more relaxed and more involved with the community. So far I have completed courses on personal development, parenting, linguistic phonics and history and am doing Essential skills Maths and English. Before I did these courses I used to doubt my ability to manage three young children but now I am a more positive and confident parent. I am also more aware of my skills and capabilities. The courses have also helped me to support my children with their homework. Before I found homework time very stressful and when I couldn’t manage it I had to tell my children “wait till your dad get home !!!” Now I can help with phonics and hard sums and enjoy spending time helping my children learn.
Martina’s Story
I’m a parent with four children – so as you can imagine life’s very busy. I left school after my GCSEs and didn’t do any further learning. Doing family learning courses has helped me to discover how much I enjoy learning and now I don’t see having younger children as a barrier. So far I have done courses in computers, parenting, linguistic phonics and parents as co-educators..
These have made me more relaxed with my children and more able to deal with tough or stressful situations. It’s been really good for me to meet other parents and find out that they are going through the same things. The courses are great fun and it gives me something to look forward to. By Saturday afternoon I’m already starting to get excited about my course the following week.
The courses have even given me the confidence to do an NVQ in childcare and I am doing my placement in a local school. Beforehand I couldn’t have imagined doing this. Also, the courses have helped me understand what my children are learning in school. I know my children’s needs better and I feel more confident talking to the teacher about them, rather than saying nothing and worrying about it.
My involvement with family learning has been good for my well-being and I enjoy having a different focus in my life. They have improved my self-respect and show me and my children that you are never too old to learn new skills and re-affirm existing ones. Now I feel confident that I can achieve more for myself and for my children..
Realising Your Potential
Realising Your Potential (RYP) and Developing Your Potential (DYP) are OCN accredited units at levels 1 and 2. They aim to help adults take stock of their situation and raise aspirations for learning and work. EGSA have successfully delivered these units to over 400 adults in various circumstances. For example, in all five of the Health and Social Care trusts staff such as porters, care assistants, domestic and administration staff have enjoyed realising or developing their potential.
Talking about the work in the Trusts EGSA’s Director, Eileen Kelly, said
“We know that thousands of frontline support staff could benefit from enhancing their qualifications and realising their full career potential. This programme is transforming the lives of many individuals. It’s a ‘win win’ for staff, who gain in confidence and motivation, and employers, who are able to untap the full potential of their workforce.”
Carol attended a 2 day RYP session, facilitated by her employers at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. She successfully completed the course and felt it had given her the confidence to move forward in her career. She said
“I wanted to do an Access course and this training has provided me with the confidence to do so.”
Combining an Access course with her work experience, could open up a number of career opportunities for Carol, such as social work or nursing.
Fiona also works full time for the Belfast Trust and successfully completed the DYP unit, receiving an OCN Level 2 Certificate. She said
“If I had not attended…the DYP course I would not have started believing in myself. I have started K101 (Open University Social Sciences course). This is a whole new experience for me, as I have not studied in 37 years”.
The courses have given me the confidence to undertake further learning and I’ve just begun a NVQ in childcare as I really want to be a classroom assistant. As part of my placement I volunteer in the homework club in the parents centre. I feel more valued as a person and I enjoy working as part of a team.
The courses and the activities have changed my life and my family’s life. I now believe I am a good role model for my children, showing them that learning is a rewarding experience with lasting benefits.
