Roberta Downes from WEA Scotland describes a new millennium project which reflects on past WEA achievements.

There are few opportunities for an organisation such as the WEA to reflect on its past and current work and to consider where it goes to from here. However, WEA Scotland will be doing just that. Celebrating Learning is the WEA Scotland millennium project and is funded by the National Lottery Charities Board Community Involvement Programme and the Millennium Festival Fund in Scotland.

Reflecting on the past

The project celebrates lifelong learning in Scotland in the twentieth century and the WEA's role in this. We will be highlighting and celebrating the WEA's local and national contribution to encouraging individuals, particularly those who have experienced barriers to learning, to engage in learning and improve their own quality of life and that of their communities. Groups comprising of WEA members and staff, colleagues from partner organisations and those we have worked with over the years, will explore and celebrate achievements in adult education which are particularly important to them and their communities. Although it will be impossible to cover all aspects of our work, there are a number of areas which will definitely be included such as:

• Women's Education. This will reflect not only the WEA's pioneering work in the 1970's, but also bring us up to date with the newest WEA members – The new Glasgow Women's Group.

• Return to Learn. The WEA is well known for its' partnership with trade unions, particularly UNISON in the public sector, and the provision of learning opportunities for low paid workers.

• Reachout. The Aberdeen based project specialises in integrating the arts, outdoor pursuits and basic skills work with issue based topics to create a holistic learning experience for long-term unemployed people including those with special needs.

• Citizenship. The recent Fife Citizenship project is part of a strong WEA history of seeking to develop and promote thoughtful, active and collective involvement in our democracy.

Collaboration with local authorities, community groups, and trade unions has enabled the WEA to reach new learners. We hope our existing partners will join with us in celebrating lifelong learning and that new partnerships will emerge. We are particularly keen to build relationships with organisations outside of Scotland, and would like to hear from all members of IFWEA interested in being part of Celebrating Learning.

IFWEA Participation

IFWEA members may be particularly interested in the celebratory conference and exhibition in October 2000. The two day conference will be held in Edinburgh and will bring together a wide range of people involved in learning including students, practitioners, providers, funders and policy-makers. It will celebrate and promote the benefits of lifelong learning for all and highlight the benefits of collaboration, partnerships and the exchange of best practice. The conference will provide a forum in which to discuss and develop ideas on the future of adult education.

For the new millennium the WEA wishes to ensure that people have the confidence and skills to play a full part in democracy. Widening access to and participation in learning will therefore continue to be at the forefront of our work. Celebrating Learning is a chance for all those interested in pursuing the same goals to join us in promoting lifelong learning for all. WEA Scotland therefore extends an invitation to get involved in CELEBRATING LEARNING.