Newspaper headlines at the turn of the century shocked the nation by revealing that over seven million adults had serious difficulties with everyday reading, writing and maths. The government launched its Skills for Life strategy with substantial resources to improve the nations skills for employment, citizenship and every-day living.

Since 2000 many thousands of adults in England have brushed up their literacy and numeracy skills by attending courses in colleges and training centres and English for Speakers of Other Languages Courses ( ESOL) have been available in local areas where immigrants settle.

Historically the Church and other Faith communities are positioned at the forefront of education in its broadest sense. BCT Training saw the potential of this movement as an expression of Christian witness and in 2003 launched Learning for Life projects in Birmingham starting with a Walk – In Learning Centre based at St Martin’s Church in the Bull Ring which later moved to Carrs Lane Church Centre.

BCT Training now provides a consultancy and support service to churches which recognise that supporting adult learning in their local community is part of their mission and service. There are now centres in Handsworth, Small Heath and Kingstanding which focus on English for Speakers of Other Languages.

 

In 2007 public funding for adult education was cut particularly for ESOL learners.  Now it is difficult for learners to find free local tuition; affecting those who need the most help.  There are many women from settled communities who because of domestic circumstances have limited opportunity to attend classes whilst others recently arrived are unable to find a college place.

BCT Training works on the principle that all those who wish to settle and make a contribution to the life of this country can only do so if they are able to communicate well and, therefore, they should be entitled to accessible ESOL provision. For more information about the national campaign to restore funding for further and adult education and the six foundation principles see the website below. 

“We have founded CALL, the Campaigning Alliance for Lifelong Learning because we believe that affordable access to the life changing opportunities provided by education is the hallmark of a civilized society”

http://www.callcampaign.org.uk/?page_id=2