Adult learning group laughing all the way to the bank
An adult learning project has been given a £100,000 cash boost by Barclays Bank.
Horizons Adult Community Learning Project, based in Hollington, was already celebrating a record level of GCSE and NVQ results among its students.
And the handout from Barclays - which was then match funded by the South East England Development Agency.
The link with Barclays came after Hastings MP Michael Foster encouraged the firm to support local good causes.
The extra funding has enabled Horizons to set up a special trust, which it hopes will help the project keep up the good work for years to come.
Sonia Plato, manager at Horizons, said: "We have had great GCSE and NVQ results this year.
"We also have had many students moving into employment or voluntary opportunities which is great for them and for the community."
In total 16 pupils successfully took GCSE English, with 81 per cent achieving A to C grades. In maths, 33 people took a GCSE, with 45 per cent getting grades A to C. There was also a 100 per cent A to C grading for Science and 14 NVQ's in childcare. Success indeed for a group which works predominantly with adults who, for whatever reason, did not get the best out of school.
Miss Plato continued: "Strong results mean better employment opportunities and encouragement for others to start learning. We have been inundated with adults wanting to gain skills and qualifications who are encouraged by the success of others."
Local MP Michael Foster praised the project's work. He said: "I very much supported Barclays funding for this valuable service.
"It makes a real difference to people who for many reasons may have missed out on further education but who want to get back into learning and just need encouragement and help to do so."
Horizons has been in operation for 14 years and currently runs more than 50 free courses.
Should groups like Horizons get more help? Maybe you have used the service? Leave your comments below.
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Tuesday 14 February 2012
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