CWEA
‘Know how, can do!’ could be the motto of those who attend workshops, talks and courses at Canterbury Workers Education Association (CWEA), Christchurch’s longest standing adult education provider. The association provides affordable and accessible sessions on a huge range of topics, so that adults can enjoy and benefit from lifelong learning in a supportive context.
In the sustainability area, CWEA offers practical opportunities (where you can practise hands-on skills such as repurposing clothes or developing a native plant garden) plus discussion of more cerebral topics, where subject specialists provide accurate, reliable information on important environment-related issues. Scientists, artists, politicians, and academics are some of the contributors to one-off events and longer term courses.
CWEA’s catalogue of activities is continually evolving, to ensure there’s something available to meet diverse interests and tackle current environmental challenges: whether that’s inspiration for tackling global concerns or finding solutions for your own backyard or wardrobe.
An attendee at a recent clothes redesign course at the CWEA’s central city venue was thrilled that her woollen overcoat now fitted better and was more stylish. “In the past, [ill-fitting clothes] would probably have all gone to landfill …maybe some of the better ones to an op shop,” says Margaret Taylor, a CWEA staff member. Saving money on new clothes, learning shortcuts and tips from the tutor, and getting a sense of achievement are all part of – in this case – learning to revamp garments you’d still like to wear, says Margaret.
“Our courses are so accessible and affordable and cater to people at whichever level they are at; that’s the beauty of the adult education community: it’s not about knowing a hundred things or buying a gazillion dollars’ worth of items before you can even get started,” says Margaret.
CWEA’s talks on social and environmental issues provide reliable, factual information and a forum for those with a “deep concern” for the planet and issues of concern.
