September sees the Festival of Learning team launch their ‘Have a Go’ month. Festival of Learning is an organisation that champions lifelong learning, reinforcing that learning should not stop when leaving school, college or university. Learning enriches life and people who continue to learn new things into adulthood often feel more fulfilled!
So what is lifelong learning?
Lifelong learning is defined as self-initiated learning, that doesn’t necessarily have to be a formal route. The learning should focus on your personal development so that could incorporate learning a new recipe, learning how to use a smartphone (something most adults have had to do within this lifetime) or learning a new dance routine (I’m looking at you TikTok).
Lifelong learning around the world
Interestingly, in 2020 it was Sweden, Finland and Denmark who topped the leaderboard for European countries championing lifelong learning, with the highest percentages of people aged 25 to 64 participating in education and training according to the European Commission. Overall, in Europe, 9.2% of people aged 25 to 64 had participated in some sort of lifelong learning within the 4 week period when the survey was done. This is a number that could be hugely improved!
What are we going to do about it?
This September, we want to participate in ‘Have a Go’ month – therefore, I asked each member of the team what they are going to commit to be learning within September! Personally, I want to learn what each different machine does at the gym so I don’t look so petrified when I go in from September onwards!
Katrina: I am committing time to learning two new moves for my ice skating routine, the loop jump and the sit spin. Whilst the moves are really hard, particularly the loop jump, I just have to persevere and remember a few months ago I was in this position with another jump that is now something I’ve nailed! As well as this, I’d like to read another book and I’m fancying Frankie Bridge’s new book ‘Grow’ that focuses on motherhood and mental health.
Kayleigh: I’m going to learn how to cook five new meals. I need to get back into the habit of cooking tasty meals so that I have meals prepped for lunch at work!
Abi: Throughout September I would like to learn what self-soothing methods work for me mentally. Throughout the lockdowns, I have seen more people start going to the gym or doing home workouts, simply taking the time of the day to go on walks, or even meditation, manifestation, crystal healing and journaling. All of these methods seem to work for individual people so I would like to try them all out and see which works for me. I hope that by October I will know what method works for me to feel the best version of myself.
Ellis: I would like to learn some French as I am (hopefully) going to Paris in November, so I’m going to commit to using an app such as Duolingo every day in September, in order to improve my skills!
Mollie: I’ve decided I’m going to learn how to meditate properly! I’ve tried before but sometimes you feel like you’re just sitting there! So, I’ll do some research & watch some youtube videos. I think it will be a great way to wind down at the end of the day!
Frankie: I would like to learn more about crystals and healing stones to see if they could benefit my overall health and wellbeing.
Brianna: My learning commitment for September is to learn the basics of Yoga. I’ve been wanting to commit to a daily yoga session for a while but have never found the time. I think that including it in my morning or evening routine will help not only to improve my strength and flexibility but will help reduce stress.
How do you think the team will do? Who’s learning commitment is your favourite? We would love to hear of your own ‘Have a Go’ commitments so please tweet us @wearewildpr and let us know what you want to learn!