New Role of the W.E.A.

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28263, 29 April 1957, Page 8

New Role of the W.E.A.

Time was when “W.E.A. ”, in the public mind, stood for Workers* Educational Associa-

tion in its narrowest sense: artisan sections of the community banded together in an attempt to make up deficiencies in their formal schooling and

perhaps to gain a passing knowledge of subjects, such as economics and international affairs, outside the ordinary school syllabus. That was never a very accurate picture of the W.E.A.; but it is true that it has taken a long time for the public fully to understand its functions. Those who have been associated longest with the movement must therefore derive considerable satis- f faction from the ever-growing appreciation by the public of the opportunities offered by the W.E.A. for adults of both sexes, in all walks of life, to improve their education, using the word in its widest sense. The W.E.A pioneered this work in New Zealand and, although the regional councils of adult education now have more farreaching services, it is significant that the most effective medium of adult teaching is still the tutorial class which the W.E.A. knows so well. It is significant, too, that the W.E.A. still finds strong support for its more traditional classes such as economics, world affairs, and public speaking. A glance through this year’s syllabus will quickly dispel any .idea that the scope of the association’s work has not widened. More than 30 classes are offered, ranging from psychology to recorder playing. Modern languages might not be looked for in the WE.A.; but this winter a new course in German and one in advanced Italian will be added to the classes in French and the ever-popular Maori and Esperanto. It is in practical

work, however, that there has been the greatest expansion.

Millinery and dressmaking are perennial favourites; even before the 1957 session of the Christchurch W.E.A. begins this evening four classes in painting and two in floral decoration will have been well under way. Italic writing and embroidery this year take their place with such diverse pursuits as violin playing, horticulture, and natural history. All this indicates that the W.E.A. is responsive to public demand. Classes in Russian are offered. They are not yet in the calendar of Canterbury University College. But the university has given its solid backing to the W.E.A. A large number of the class leaders will be university lecturers and a larger number of the classes will be held at ’ Canterbury College. This, surely, is the best indication of the status which the W.E.A. has won in the community. Records show that students, attracted first by a practical course, may become interested in social studies. Instances are known of families rostering “ baby-sitting ” so that all the older members can take some weekly class. The balance of old and young among the students is healthy. Apart from the intrinsic merit of any of’its courses, the W.E.A is performing a valuable community service when it provides useful leisure activities for the young and middle-aged and for those approaching or in retirement.