Quick Reads, short, fast-paced books for adults, are transforming the UK’s reading habits by improving the literacy levels of adults and their attitudes to books and learning. Evaluation data from nearly 400 literacy tutors shows that nearly all of them (97%) believe Quick Reads have been useful in helping their learners to progress.

Established in 1903, the Workers’ Educational Association is the largest voluntary sector provider of adult education in Britain and provides learning opportunities for over 80,000 people each year. The Association operates in all nine English Regions and in Scotland and employs over three thousand part-time tutors.  In the academic year 2007/08 more than 12,000 education courses were provided in over 1,500 venues across England and Scotland.

Ian Searle, a 74-year-old former teacher, was last week elected the new national chairman of the University of the Third Age (U3A), which provides learning opportunities for those who no longer work full time and no longer have responsibility for children. His election comes in the year that the U3A’s income tops £1 million for the first time.

Following Wayne Bennett's article(linked below) setting out the the need for lifetime learning opportunities to be made more available Kate Morley reminds us of where we can already take part in the great adventure.

If you are fascinated by human behaviour – and would like to know more – then a four-day course this summer could provide inspiration and enjoyment.

Finding an audience for talks on his interests and pursuits has proved a life-changing experience for MT reader Brian Jones. And you, he says, could find your life changed too.

As Adult Learner's Week kicks off from May 17th-23rd, winners of the various senior awards have been announced. But behind the awards lie truly astounding stories of overcoming hardship to learn, serving as an inspiration to us all - no matter what our age or background...