UWS team boosts cost-effectiveness of community-based learning

by Steven Wilson + Dr Mona Shrestha

Associate Professor Steve Wilson and Dr Mona Shrestha from the UWS School of Social Ecology and Lifelong Learning have investigated the function of non-formal education providers (including schools, neighbourhood centers, community service providers, religious organisations), and how their courses and services contribute to boosting the personal, educational and employment outcomes for local residents.

In partnership with Fairfield City Council, Associate Professor Wilson says the project has identified the important role these non-formal education providers play in areas of economic disadvantage.

'In Bonnyrigg, where the study was based, more than 70 per cent of residents speak languages other than English; the unemployment rate stands at over 16 per cent; and less than 3 per cent of residents have tertiary qualifications. Here, community-based education providers are often the first step to empowerment and better vocational and employment prospects,' Professor Wilson says.

'However, a major problem is that these institutions often don't work together effectively.

'We found that some of the courses offered were duplicated by other providers, leading to unnecessary competition; there were too many introductory courses with few options for deeper learning to advance participants' skills; and little validation of the skills participants had achieved through mechanisms such as certificates of achievement.

'Lack of proper guidance and mentoring seem to affect the participants' learning and career pathways.

'The study has found that better collaboration and communication between these education providers could lead to the development of stronger and more effective learning pathways for local residents.

'Ultimately the strategic planning of a more integrated non-government organisation (NGO) network can help educational outcomes and employment options for local people.'

The UWS team are acting as action-based researchers, community developers and friends to community resource groups involved in the project.

Associate Professor Wilson says the next, already underway, has involved getting the different groups to talk together.

'This maximises resource management, promotes a closer relationship with community networks and is more responsive to the specific educational needs of participants,' he says.

Associate Professor Wilson says the Integrated Community-based Education (ICE) model, developed through the research, involves greater liaison between service providers.

'The providers that participated in the focus groups seemed very keen to work together and identify areas of improvement,' he says.

'As a result, a central provider group called the Bonnyrigg Learning Network (BLN) has been formed, a 'learning needs' survey has been developed to better tailor courses, and a consolidated list of courses offered by different providers in the Bonnyrigg area has been compiled.

The Bonnyrig Learning Network continues to have periodic and strategic meetings with increasing membership. Recently, it has been successful in obtaining different projects related to community learning worth $70,000.'

The University of Western Sydney and Fairfield City Council are continuing to work with the community to realise the goals of Integrated Community-based Education through a 12-month UWS Regional and Community grant. This money is being used to help the Bonnyrigg Learning Network carry out its initiatives.

'The project has also resulted in more community interaction. The local Mounties recreational club and Marconi soccer club have both supported the project by offering grants from gaming revenue for worthwhile projects. Mounties is also offering in-kind support for hospitality training initiatives,' Associate Professor Wilson says.

'The groundwork laid as a result of the Integrated Community-based Education research project is already reaping results. It is promoting better collaboration between these non-formal education providers, stronger community links and ultimately, a chance of a more fulfilling life and financially secure future for the community.'