August 19 2013
ACE Places Focus of Adult Learners’ Week 2013
Adult Learners’ Week/He Tangata Mātauranga organizers are on the look out for “ACE Places” in the run up to this year’s
national week of celebrations, September 2-8.
ACE Places are informal learning spaces that can be anywhere – in homes, offices, parks, libraries, community halls,
cafes and in the virtual world. By promoting ACE Places, organisers want to remind people that all adult learning
enhances wellbeing and builds community.
ACE Aotearoa Director, Jo Lake says people are often unaware of the learning they are doing every day. “Creating a
culture of learning is not about the education and training that organisations provide but about sharing an idea, a
parenting tip, cell phone app or good book. It can also be doing the daily crossword, a yoga class or learning te Reo
together.“
Aotearoa has a strong culture of adult learning and every year tens of thousands of people take part in some form of
learning activity. Aotearoa also has hundreds of marae scattered throughout the country where whānau have learnt
together for generations. These are our unique ACE Places.
This year’s Adult Learners’ Week/He Tangata Mātauranga, September 2-8, will be launched in Kaitaia on September 2.
Before the midday launch ceremony at Te Ahu Community Centre visitors have been invited to embark on a learning journey
involving a tour of historic sites between Cape Reinga and Kaitaia.
Hundreds of other events and activities are also planned for the week which includes International Literacy Day on
September 8. Events include learning expos, open days, taster courses, awards ceremonies to celebrate the achievements
of adult learners and teachers, and competitions.
Adult Learners’ Week/He Tangata Mātauranga, September 2-8 celebrates all adult learning whether it’s upskilling for a
better job, preparing for further study, improving life skills or getting fit and having some fun. It is supported by
the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO.
Adult Learners’ Week/He Tangata Mātauranga is organised by ACE Aotearoa.
For more information see the website www.adultlearnersweek.org.nz
ENDS