W.E.A.

Northern Advocate, 4 May 1926, Page 4

W.E.A.

It is interesting to note that the ■classes conducted ‘by the Workers’ Educational Association are to be resumed in Whangarei during the coming winter months. The classes held last year and the previous year were community assets, the lectures given being calculated to extend the outlook and improve the understanding of those who participated in them. The purpose of the W. E.A. is claimed to be the imparting of knowledge, the upbuilding of character, the making of good citizens. It aims at fostering and satisfying the workers’ desire for such education as adds to the mental power and pleasure of life.” The movement seeks fb help educationally all adults in every walk of life, whether they come from the mine, factory, shop or office. The amount of education previously received is of no consequence in joining a class. As long as a student is imbued

with the desire to learn more, or with a desire to use his own judgment in securing solutions of the various problems that confront him, ho may join a class. The W.E.A. encourages the attendance of women, recognising their right to develop their mental faculties to their ful- ! lest extent. It believes that women, having now taken their place alongside men in shaping the destinies of mankind and in solving the social problems of the day, should receive the best education that is available. The classes arc practically free, there being only a nominal subscription for the purpose of defraying the incidental expenses of the classes; but if a student desires to make a larger contribution in order to assist in extending the movement he is onj titled to do so. Thus every attempt is made to .bring education of University standard within the reach of all. So far as the classes to be held in Whangarei this winter arc concerned, a particularly profitable season ‘should be spent by students, as the lecturer, Mr S. B. Dunn, M.A., is to deal with “the expansion of the British Empire from 1497 ; to 1926,” a subject of special importance just now. We wish the W.E.A. success.