Unlimited Potential Learning Foundation Course

A key part of the Unlimited Potential (UP) Learning Foundation is the course that is designed to help build the skills of the CTLC IT skills trainers.  This course does not simply 'teach' trainers how to deliver the UP Community Learning Curriculum.  Rather it focuses on empowering the trainers to better understand their communities so they can customise the curriculum to more readily unlock the potential of their people.

The Unlimited Potential Learning Foundation will deliver a total of five week-long training courses over two years which may involve around 125 trainers. Between 15 and 20 CTLC trainers will take part in each course and may also choose to attend a one day 'refresher course' two months following their course.

Part of the criteria to attend is that each trainer must agree to training at least one other person involved with his or her CTLC in the UP programme.  By the end of the two year period, it is hoped that at least 250 people will be trained as trainers and more than 4,000 economically disadvantaged people will have developed IT skills.

Whitireia Community Polytechnic has been selected to develop and deliver the Unlimited Potential Learning Foundation course that will train the trainers. Whitireia Polytechnic has significant experience in working with disadvantaged communities and developing course materials that take into account the varying needs of different communities.

CTLCs trainers can find out more about the Unlimited Potential Learning Foundation course by attending an orientation session in late 2005.  These sessions will take place in 15 locations around the country twice and will be repeated in mid 2006.

At this stage, it is proposed that the first training course will take place in early 2006.

About Community-Based Technology and Learning Centres (CTLC)

Whether in a remote rural area or a major metropolitan area, a Community-Based Technology Learning Centre (CTLC) is a free or low-cost, friendly place where people of all ages and abilities can learn about computers, use the Internet, explore new careers, further their education, participate in community activities, or develop technology skills.

Many CTLCs are located in community centres, schools, marae, homework centres, or other convenient locations. Most share these key attributes: