RISE centres
There are over 200 RISE learning centres across the five counties of Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen, so that every RISE learner can find a place to learn close to home or work.
Each of our Learning Action Centres are supported by lots of Satellite Centres - smaller and more specialised places to learn. However isolated you may feel, perhaps because you live in a particularly rural area or are disabled, RISE tries to ensure that learning reaches you.
RISE not only listens and adapts to its learners' needs, but provides support and guidance every step of the way. Learners have the opportunity to meet other learners, tutors and RISE representatives, to chat about progress and put forward new ideas. Every RISE centre involves its learners in working out how to meet your individual learning needs.
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A learning advocate's story
Dave is a retired electrical technician and a keen photographer, and has been a learner at the RISE centre in St Julian’s since December 2005, where he is studying Spanish and drawing.
Dave became involved with RISE because he wanted to learn new skills after his retirement.
He says, “It’s nice to be able to speak the native language when you go on holiday and my wife and I really enjoy visiting Spain. I signed up for an art course because it complements my interest in photography - I want to be able to produce sketch plans of my pictures and not use match stick men like I have been!”
“I was drawn to RISE because it has something to offer everyone regardless or age, interests or background. It’s also refreshing that as a mature learner I was made to feel really welcome.”
As well as being a learner himself, Dave has volunteered his services to support and advise other learners as a Learning Advocate with RISE, and is happy to be able to put his life experience to good use in this way.
He adds, “For me, RISE is about learning new skills for my own personal satisfaction. For younger people who are unsure which path to take in life, it is the perfect opportunity to try a range of new things to help make up their minds. RISE gives everybody the chance to choose a way to change their life and that’s what I like about it.”