About us
Mission of Organisation
We are committed to recognising the worth and potential of individuals and widening participation. We view education as a means of sustainably promoting social inclusion, urban regeneration and neighbourhood renewal, to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to realise their potential and to actively participate in society
The Educational Centres Association or ECA is...
- an inclusive organisation which values the widest participation from all involved in adult learning in pursuit of a dynamic partnership
- open to all who are actively involved in the education of adults whether as learners, professional educators, managers, voluntary workers or supporters
- devoted to all aspects of adult learning, supporting the pursuit of quality, continuity, reliability, clarity and coherence across the curriculum, at all levels of study, in all sectors and across all ages and abilities
- an active organisation with a lively programme of regional and national conferences, local projects, seminars, publications and a track record of advocacy and campaigning in support of adult learning opportunities
- committed to widening participation, active citizenship and social inclusion, based on the principle that all those directly involved in adult learning can further the positive development of opportunities by working together
- engaged with wider agendas at the European and International level
- a democratic body with a national structure and elected regional representatives from the South & East, West and North of England plus Wales. We support the development of networks and partnerships at regional and local levels.
- funded by membership fees, donations, project work and grant aid from bodies such as the Department for Education and Skills, DfES
- open for membership as an Individual Member, a Corporate Member (centre, college, gallery, library, museum or voluntary organisation joining on behalf of its participants) or as a 'non-teaching' Associate (funding, advisory or awarding body)- and willing to work reciprocally with other like-minded organisations, as we do with NIACE and through the Community Sector Coalition
- ready to respond to your interest - to contact us email info@e-c-a.ac.uk.
- Enjoyment of learning
- Satisfaction in passing on skills
- Sharing knowledge and ideas
- Creating communities of learners
- Contributing to a better society
- Empowering disadvantaged groups
Our Team of volunteers up and down the country believe this so strongly that we run the organisation dedicated to these ideals. We have been doing this since our foundation in 1920 as the Educational Settlements Association, registered charity 313302.
See http://www.infed.org/association/educational_settlements.htm and http://www.infed.org/archives/settlements/esa_community_education.htm#cite for aspects of our history.
We Say that Adult Learning is a vital part of an individual’s life. It is a mainspring of communities and a key economic tool. Through it we can see ourselves in social, cultural, historical and global perspectives. The processes through which this happens cannot take place in isolation.
People learning together, sharing understandings and working for a sustainable future are what defines a learning organisation.
At the ECA we are committed to bringing together adult learners, tutors, lecturers, trainers, managers and governors and others who share our belief in this agenda.
The Constitution The amended Constitution was formally adopted at a Special General Meeting held in London on 11 October 2008