Do branches make a difference?

The WEA's network of branches support educational opportunities that give us a reach that others providers have discontinued (University extra mural work for example). These are dismissed by some as 'clubs' but, as someone who came to the WEA as a student through a branch organised course, I know the role branches have played in communities across the country.
Last month we asked WEA branches to give examples of their work outside the actual courses they deliver. I thought these three examples would be of interest and I thank branches for letting me know of them.

"Confidence and knowledge gained through WEA courses led to me helping to start up our local history museum, which is now of national standard and totally volunteer run. I'm still on the management committee after over 20 years. This also encouraged me to get involved in tourism initiatives (another form of learning about history and the environment) and to s erve on the Town Council Tourism, Leisure and Amenities committee, also for over 20 years."

Ware Branch

"The Sunderland and

Washington

branch of the WEA has supported students in their ventures and has had a number of interesting and worthwhile outcomes. Several students have gone on to complete degree courses; One student recently attended a 1 to 1 course in literacy and numeracy and now works for the WEA. Another WEA student, went on to Horticultural college. A student on an E.S.O.L. course went on to be employed at Nissan."

"The Wells’ Area Partnership (like other such local partnerships, I presume) was set up to bring representatives of the local council, local business/commerce, local voluntary groups and the wider local community together (and I paraphrase very badly) to identify needs on the part of the various constituencies and means of meeting them.  Following a number of consultation exercises, the Development Coordinator has produced a report on the needs and views expressed.   I have received that report and been aware of some of the earlier thinking of WAP, because, for the last few months, I have been the

WEA

’s representative on WAP.  Among the more popular needs/demands (eg for affordable housing, activities for young people, parking facilities and/or restrictions, and decent public conveniences), I noted a suggestion that a community training/education facility be established to help adults with few or no formal qualifications or work experiences to be equipped better to enter the (rather limited, it has to be said) local employment market.  As a result, I have suggested to the Coordinator that she be aware of the contribution that the WEA might make through its targeted and community provision.  Though, possibly, she and others need or want to focus on other needs initially, she has agreed to address the issue at some point.  She may have a plan to co-opt me to a small focus/steering group, though I would only want that as a short-term step.  I would see it as offering a chance to provide a link with the WEA’s professional workers, who, I hope, would help to fill any gap in provision that the local community perceives"

Wells-next-the-Sea Branch,

Norfolk