By Kevin J. Sabo
For the Advance
The Paintearth Adult Learning Council is looking forward to the upcoming learning year.
After moving main offices over the summer, the staff at Paintearth Adult learning are settled into their new home in the old theatre building on Royal Street across from the library.
“It’s very exciting,” said Paintearth Adult Learning Manager Cindy Heidecker.
“We’ve moved in, and we’re all settled. We have an awesome learning space downstairs, as well as some classroom and other space upstairs.”
To celebrate the opening of their new space, and the upcoming learning year, Paintearth Aldult Learning will be holding an open house on Sept. 14 from noon until 2 p.m. for Coronation residents to come in and check out the new space.
“We invite folks to come look at the new space, and have a cupcake on us,” said Heidecker.
Returning programs for the 2021/2022 learning year include the popular Magic Carpet Ride, a program for kids from zero to six years old, and their caregivers.
The program will return to being hosted in three Paintearth County locations - Coronation, Brownfield, and Castor.
Magic Carpet Ride is a free program that, “Focuses on all components of literacy that includes play, singing, and a healthy snack,” according to Heidecker.
In Castor, this year’s Magic Carpet Ride will be done in partnership with the Castor Library.
“We’ll be sharing resources and have a great place to host Magic Carpet Ride in Castor,” said Heidecker.
“We’re thrilled having the new partnership in Castor.”
Other offerings for the 2021/2022 education year include a variety of foundational courses, such as English, hosted at both the Castor, and if there’s enough demand, Coronation offices.
“We would be thrilled to be able to offer (English) in (Coronation) in addition to the class in Castor,” said Heidecker.
If learners are more comfortable with one-on-one learning, Paintearth Adult Learning also has tutors available to facilitate that.
Other courses on offer this fall include Calligraphy, Water Colour Painting, First Aid, and Photo Editing.
All the courses can be found and registered for on the Paintearth Adult Learning website (www.paintearthlearning.ca).
Paintearth Adult Learning has offices in Castor and Coronation. On Wednesday’s they also have a presence in the Battle River Innovation Centre, located on Main Street in Castor near the fire hall.
Heidecker stresses that the main role of the organization is foundational learning.
“Don’t be afraid to refer someone you know,” said Heidecker.
“If you know someone who struggles with either reading, writing, or numeracy, we invite you to bring them in and introduce them to us. Be a champion for those who need some reading, writing, and learning assistance.”
The catalogue of courses provided by Paintearth Adult Learning is ever-changing, and community members are encouraged to recommend courses or instructors.
“Our community dictates what comes into our brochure,” said Heidecker.
In addition to the foundational or workplace courses offered, Paintearth Adult Learning is also a recognized post-secondary exam invigilation site, and exam writes can be accommodated at either office.
While invigilation typically costs $20 per exam, for the 2021/2022 learning year, the third and sixth exam will be free as a way to support learners in the community.
Paintearth Adult Learning is funded through grants made available through Advanced Education in the Government of Alberta, as well as a variety of other municipal and corporate sponsors.
