Adult Learning celebrate success

by Rob Smith

Saturday 15th May, and in the heat of a long over due summer sunshine, all roads led to Verdon Street Furnival and the surrounding area of Burngreave, for the start of the Adult Learning Week celebration.

By 11 o’clock stalls were set up representing statutory and community organisations, workers and activists. Nora Brown, steering group event member, said “This event is to kick start Adult Learning Week in Burngreave, which will hopefully then establish itself across the city.”

Anne Grange, one of the event’s organisers, explained support from other community organisations has helped this event take place, “Sheffield City Council funding has paid for the main act and the Lord Mayor will also be attending.”

Learning Campaign director Ahmed Gurnah explained some of the success the campaign has had, “More than 700 people have talked to us about further education, and up to 500 have enrolled on some course or other.” Special guest was Martin Yarnit, who initiated adult leaning week throughout the whole country.

By 1 o’clock the sound system was pumping music around Verdon Street. Local people began to arrive, as more stalls representing different groups and organisations were set up in time for the first act to begin.

A samba band made its way slowly from Rock Street towards the Furnival, where it performed inside the square outside SureStart shops. Aisha Special K, New Deal Community Rep, introduced performers, and Siya took to the stage performing their usual singing and traditional African dancing. The arrival of the Lord Mayor topped what was our first sun-filled weekend and mini festival celebration of adult learning, becoming a great success for people in and around this community.