Provider of community based adult learning, WEA Hunter is offering a unique business and community partnership program for those who might not currently have the means to study or learn.
WEA Hunter Foundation’s WEA 200: Legends of Learning program offers a $200 education scholarship to people with a desire to learn new skills, grow confidence, gain qualifications and reconnect with education.
Foundation Manager, Wendy Ratcliffe said the initiative is a life changer for those who have difficulties accessing education.
“With support from businesses or individuals who believe in the value of ongoing learning for all, we can really help someone who may need up skilling, for example in computer or business skills, to transition back to work,” Wendy said.
“Legends of Learning is not only about providing supported access but also engaging people to inspire and achieve more.”
Lesley Frendo from Kahibah was devastated when she was diagnosed with bowel cancer, aged 37, in April 2013 and again when they were told her husband had early stage one bowel cancer two years later. Her mother in law has also since been diagnosed with bowel cancer. Lesley’s good friend, and now business partner, Christine Cave lost her father to bladder cancer during this time.
As a recipient of WEA 200: Legends of Learning, Lesley is undertaking a sewing course to learn how to make specialostomy bag covers for other adults, children and babies who have undergone stoma surgery. The covers can also improve the comfort and quality of life for those with not only with Crohns and Coeliac disease but also bladder diseases.
“This scholarship has taken me one step closer to our dream of helping and inspiring other ostomates,” Lesley said.
“We started our small business ‘Ostomate Active’ to provide support and assistance to people who have undergonethis type of surgery and encourage them to lead active lives.
“We also hope to help dispel the stigma around stomas.”
Contributions to the WEA 200: Legends of Learning are tax-deductable.
IMAGE | Lesley Frendo has used her Legends of Learning funding to create Ostomate Active.
