Community-based ACE
ACE which is responsive to local community learning needs.
As a rule, ACE which is community-based is learning that occurs within a community, based on local learning needs. Usually this type of ACE is not attached to any qualification or learning framework - rather, it has wider, life skills-type application. It is often multi-faceted in that it will address social and health needs at the same time as providing educational experiences and so is an important part of community development processes within communities. Community-based ACE is typically specific to its local community,and is not often able to be assessed in traditional ways, with anecdotal and self-evaluations being commonly used in wider planning and with pathways to higher education not being easily or quickly demonstrated.
Men's Sheds
Men's Sheds provide opportunities and physical spaces for men to participate in meaningful activities while enjoying each other’s company making new friends and sharing blokey skills in a non-judgmental and supportive environment.
Activities range from woodwork, metal work, car and furniture restoration, photography, arts and crafts, support for local school and community fundraising efforts and projects and anything else that may interest the men involved in any particular shed.
Join the November 2010 webinars, or watch the reruns as they are posted on ACEnet to hear about the ongoing health and community benefits of belonging to Men’s Sheds and their ongoing growth across Australia, New Zealand and farther afield.
New Zealand - http://menssheds.org.nz
Australia - www.mensshed.org
Ireland - www.menssheds.ie
- Carina Men’s Shed in Brisbane, do-it-yourself paradise for blokes of all ages (YouTube video, 3min 11sec)
- Melbourne Storm supporting Men’s Sheds in Men’s Health Week 2010 (YouTube clip 6min 07sec)
- Kalamunda Men’s Shed, several short clips highlighting the reasons for and benefits of Men’s Sheds (click on list at right for several short clips)
- The beginning of the Forest Community Men’s Shed (Australia. 6 min. video)
- The start of the Taieri, NZ ‘Bloke’s Shed’ (2 min. video)
Informal Adult Learning in Care Settings
This 7minute 29sec YouTube clip shows a group of senior adults learning in an informal setting - a residential care facility. Those of you who attended the recent ACE Aotearoa conference in Wellington will recognise the links here with the information so entertainingly provided by the main keynote speaker, Alan Tuckett, from the UK. He shared a surprising statistic about the connection between meaningful learning opportunities and a decline in the need for incontinence pads in elderly care facilities. See and hear more in this clip
The Learning Festivals Guide
An excellent outline of ideas and practical advice for mounting some interesting and exciting events and activities to celebrate Adult Learners’ Week in your community.
New Zealand celebrates ALW in 2010 from Monday 6th to Sunday 12th of September. The theme will be 'Learn for today and tomorrow'.
The Learning Festivals Guide is an internationally-produced communication tool in support of the launch of the International Adult Learners’ Week.