More at W.E.A. courses

Press, 14 March 1978, Page 27

More at W.E.A. courses

The number of people involved in the Canterbury workers’ Educational Association (W.E.A.) continuing education programme increased 15 per cent in 1977. The association’s director (Mr B. Pauling) said in his report to the annual meeting of the association that 5585 people had participated in 181 programmes during 1977. One of the most successful classes had been a pilot adult reading assistance programme. The programme had been established only last year, and it was now receiving referrals from the Social Welfare Department and the Probation Service. Mr Pauling presented a provisional programme for evening classes for this year. There will be about 50 classes, on topics including art, languages, music, communication, human relations, hobbies, and recreation. He said the main problem the association would face this year would be financing its programme. “It is apparent that if we are to avoid pricing ourselves off the market that we believe we must serve, then alternative sources of funds must be sought.’’ The meeting decided to increase the life membership fee from $5O to $lOO. Life membership entitles a person to free admission to any W.E.A. class, and it was felt that as class fees had increased, so the life membership fee should increase. Mr Pauling also said in his report that virtually all W.E.A. programmes in Canterbury were in Christchurch. “There are provincial areas that have requested a service,” he said. Mrs J. Stevens was elected president of the association; Mrs F. Cameron did not-seek re-election.