Norwich Community Learning Champions
Norwich CLC project has developed a strong and diverse network of local volunteer learning champions, serving some of the area’s most disadvantaged communities. The project aims to provide inspiration and practical support to help individuals and groups to participate in, and develop new forms of informal learning, to engage wider audiences. Impact is measured by the number of individuals who go on to formal education.
Community Learning Champions have been recruited from communities throughout Norwich, each bringing their own unique skills and experience. Many have had their own lives turned around by learning, which has inspired them to communicate their passion for learning to others.
Their work includes developing links with many different groups, such as older people in supported housing, helping people to access existing informal learning opportunities, creating new activities, and supporting people to continue with their learning journey.
The network has very strong partnerships with other support services, local groups and learning providers. All volunteer CLCs have undertaken WEA Champions training and accreditation, and all have their own mentor supporting them to develop skills and to progress beyond their current role.
“The remarkable achievement of every CLC is that they have all experienced the positive benefits of learning, and have a desire to voluntarily give something back,” says a project spokesperson.