Fitzroy Learning Network Annual Report 2017 Annual Report v2 | Page 13

Education Programs FLN education programs maintained strong enrolments for the 2016-17 year and we were able to offer some new programs to our community. In May of this year FLN was approached by a Melbourne artist Marianne Huhn. Marianne is a successful ceramist and university lecturer and has been keen to offer FLN students the opportunity to learn to draw as a tool for expressing themselves in the world. This program has been very well received and the drawing skills the participants have acquired are truly remarkable and a tribute to Marianne’s skills as both an artist and a teacher. We are also grateful to another accomplished local artist, Adriane Strampp, who sponsored a free enrolment for an FLN student from a refugee background in one of her sought after painting classes held at her Brunswick studio. These programs were generously supported by Deans Arts, Gertrud e Street and Art Stretchers, Northcote. The photography and jewellery programs were also new contenders in the creative industries space. The photography class “My Fitzroy” was designed for any Fitzroy resident but also contained opportunity for CALD learners to gain important understanding of English language vocabulary in creative industries programs. This included understanding and using technical terms and equipment. As an accomplished photographer our tutor, Shane Bell, has been able to bring out the latent creative talents of the participants in an impressive way - one student entering and winning the Yarra Council’s Photography Award for the over 25s. Under the talented and professional instruction of Claire Taylor and Jana King we were able to offer jewellery making courses this year. While having a heap of fun, participants were able to learn and understand basic use of technical terms and equipme nt used in the industry. One of the participants who enrolled in each of the classes now sells her jewellery through SisterWorks and is a recent addition to their Board. Both of these Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) funded programs helped participants to develop problem solving and independent learning skills to achieve goals as well as some practical and industry knowledge. Improved self-confidence can lead to employment, vocational study (VET enrolments), and self-employment. 13