@LearningNeighbourhoodsCork
@ACEUCCThe Cork Learning Neighbourhoods initiative aims to benefit communities across Cork City by taking the UNESCO UIL Learning City concept to the neighbourhood level. The programme aims to assist local networks and organisations to showcase and develop lifelong learning opportunities. It offers an incentive to local organisations to develop learning opportunities and recognises their efforts and good practice. The programme involves many activities including raising awareness of opportunities for learning, developing new initiatives, supporting promotional activities, offering support and guidance to sustain activities of the learning neighbourhood.
The Cork Learning Neighbourhoods programme was established by partners across the city including Cork City Council, Cork Education and Training Board, University College Cork and Munster Technological University. These partners support the Learning Neighbourhoods through a steering committee.
There are currently six Learning Neighbourhoods in Cork City. All of these neighbourhoods face educational disadvantage as the populations have lower levels of third level qualifications in contrast to other areas in the city. Through the learning neighbourhoods programme, local neighbourhoods form their own coordination groups that celebrate existing learning as well as providing new learning opportunities for their communities. The coordination groups work with local residents, organisations and businesses in the area to provide fun and diverse learning opportunities in the local area.
The Cork Learning Neighbourhoods programme has created a framework to allow a symbiotic relationship between multiple stakeholders at multiple levels where a shared vision and approach to learning through celebration, recognition and validation of existing learning and new learning is central.
