Adult Learners Week: Education can broaden lifesty

Published: 27 August 2021. (Note: information was correct at date of publication but may have since been changed or superseded.)

Cairns Libraries will next week encourage people to become lifelong learners in order to navigate and adapt to a rapidly changing world.

Adult Learners Week, from 1-8 September, encourages Australians to take up adult education as a way of finding new career pathways, discovering hidden talents and exploring new directions.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said Adult Learners Week provided a chance for people to consider potential new opportunities.

“Education can significantly improve a person’s career prospects, providing a new set of skills that can help people maintain, return or start work,” Cr Manning said.

“This year’s Adult Learners Week theme is Change Your Story, which encourages people to take stock of their lives and consider if they would like to move in a new direction through education.”

This year, Cairns Libraries have put together a program of educational events specifically aimed at adults, including technology classes, creative writing workshops, and lessons in online learning.

Local artist and illustrator Julie Haysom will facilitate a drawing workshop, while Council's Disaster Coordinator, Justin Smith, will discuss his experiences and learnings from managing disasters.

“Some people will be able to use these classes and workshops as part of career and job changes,” Cr Manning said.

“Others may look to gain skills in order to take up a new hobby.

“Whatever the reason, Adult Learners Week is the perfect time to explore these options.”

Adult Learners’ Week, now in its 26th year, is coordinated by Adult Learning Australia, the national peak body for adult and community education. It is a UNESCO initiative supported in Australia by the Commonwealth Department of Education and Training.

For more information and program details go to the Cairns Libraries website.