Parents attending the muti-cultural Learning Group at Cathays High School in Cardiff achieve an average of 120 qualifications annually which have helped nearly half of them to find employment. The group which formed in 2014, has developed a successful partnership with Adult Learning Wales to
demonstrate the benefits of adult education, particularly for women and their families.

Addressing the needs of the community, the partnership empower parents by offering both accredited and nonaccredited courses, including literacy, numeracy, digital, childcare, creative and cookery skills. The skills and confidence gained help them to support their children’s education and grow personally and professionally.

Almost 50 women have gone back to work in various sectors. Their economic independence raises family income and significantly improves their overall quality of life. The learning partnership has helped to build skills and foster confidence, particularly among women from diverse cultural backgrounds. More than 65 different languages are spoken by parents attending the group and 43% of the school learners come from families eligible for free school meals.

“The ripple effects of this adult learning initiative are tangible and transformative, said Jayne Ireland, Adult Learning Wales’ Regional Manager, who nominated the group for the award. “By empowering these women to overcome barriers and rejoin the workforce, the Parent Learning Group is not only benefiting individual families but also injecting valuable skills and talent into the local economy.”

Tutor Christina Roy, who’s also Cathays High School’s Family Learning Co-ordinator, said: “It’s very rewarding to help parents to support their children to learn better and develop themselves to be confident, skilled and self dependent.” The group also raises awareness about preventing diabetes and heart conditions in communities who are at higher risk, and has more than doubled the uptake of immunisation vaccines to 42%.

Parent learners have gained new skills by volunteering, including Clean Cardiff Community projects and at a breakfast club. One parent said: “I have taken the courses to improve my practical and communication skills. They have helped me to work with children which is one of my goals.” Christina added: “Besides gaining qualifications to develop themselves, all learners feel they have helped each other to make a better community for all. By sharing our knowledge, experience and positivity, they will grow.”