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Marion promotes community learning

Marion Learning Month kicked off late last year. An initiative of the City of Marion, the event was supported by the Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology, the Department of Education and Children’s Services and the Office for the Southern Suburbs. The opening of the event coincided with Adult Learners Week, Public Education Week and Literacy and Numeracy Week.

“Education may not be Council’s core business, but learning certainly is,’’ said Marion Mayor Felicity-Ann Lewis. “Over the past two years the festival has become increasingly popular. Showcasing opportunities for learning, both for education and enjoyment, only builds on the strengths within our community.’’

Marion Learning Month was held from September 1 to 26 at various locations around the City of Marion. The event is designed to distribute learning information and opportunities across the community. More than 130 events were held, ranging from yoga to Spanish, from learning about the frogs of Adelaide to starting a new business – and many topics in between. Events took place in classrooms, community facilities, businesses and outdoor settings.

In addition, the inaugural Marion Teaching and Learning Awards were presented. These awards recognised students, educators and organisations who, through learning activities, achieve outstanding outcomes, make an improvement in their own lives or the lives of others, or make a significant contribution to the community through innovative teaching and learning practices.

The City of Marion supports events such as the Marion Learning Festival, recognising learning is a critical component of improving opportunities for residents in Marion and people employed in local businesses. Two trends indicate that Local Government will need to play an increasing role in learning.

Firstly there is an increased awareness of the critical role learning and knowledge have as key components of economic competitiveness and social inclusion, and secondly economic growth and social development is increasingly being determined by regional policy and local actions.

First staged in 2001, the Festival received a commendation award in the Information Services Category for the National Awards for Local Government and will be recognised in the Leading Practice Guide 2003.

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