A few weeks ago, we had the 15th anniversary of Preston Reservoir Adult Community Education (PRACE). Fifteen years !!
As “MC”, aiming to keep the crowd engaged, i asked who had been involved with PRACE for one year, two years, three years etc. The record holders were Kerry and Jo, at around 4-6 years. Until someone turned it back on me and asked how long i’d been working there.
Twelve years, yes 12. People seem surprised, as nobody works that long in the one place any more. These days most professionals trade in for a new model quite regularly.
But this was one of those nights when you remember why you’ve stayed. Adult learners in the community receiving their certificates, beaming with pride and pleasure. Even the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) players came along to receive their certificates – which is hard to imagine even after i’ve seen it with my own eyes.
A lovely evening, when you recognise the value that learning holds in the lives of these people .. who would be so unlikely to go to a big institution like a TAFE. When people stride up to gather their certificates with pride.
Big warm feeling in yr heart. Oh yeah.