Lifelong-learning opportunities through Spring School

In a shrinking world characterised by leaps in technological advancement, South Africans must develop the skills and knowledge to cope.

Continuing education and training and personal development can enhance and change a country's economic and social landscape, says Adrian Strydom, director of UCT's Centre for Open Learning (COL).

To this end, the new Spring School initiative will see the COL team up with the Fundamentals Training Centre (FTC) to provide quality learning at affordable rates.

The Spring School took place in the Lesley Social Sciences Building from 1 to 5 September.

"South Africa spends more than most developing countries on education and training," Strydom said. "However, we must continuously question and challenge the efficiencies of the delivery of education and training to ensure that we get the most out of every rand invested.

The Spring School, a first for UCT and the FTC, offered a wealth of training resources, programmes and experience.

"It was an excellent opportunity to celebrate learning in the Western Cape."

In addition to the scheduled courses, the lunch time activities (open to all) focused on capacity building in civil society, culminating in a Friday event at which key stakeholders considered steps to bringing about positive systemic change.

The theme for these activities was Towards Rebuilding a Platform for Civil Society Engagement. A range of civil society agencies participated.

The Spring School coincided with the Learning Cape Festival, whose 2009 theme is Economic Development in a Learning Province.

"We're proud to participate in the Learning Cape Festival this year and trust that the Spring School, in partnership with FTC, will become a visible feature of the festival landscape in the future," Strydom said.