New training premises officially opened

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Jane Georgiou, Councillor Keith Swift and Lisa DeCoza, Volunteer Manager

Adult Community ESOL’s new training premises on Newgate in Rochdale were officially opened today (Thursday 16 December 2010).

Adult Community ESOL (ACE) was formed as a charity in March this year.

The charity was instigated by Jane Georgiou at Adult Community Training (ACT) because she had noticed the overwhelming need for ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) in the borough.

ACE and ACT have been sharing premises, also on Newgate, until recently. ACE is now situated next door to ACT.

The centre was officially opened by Councillor Keith Swift. He cut the ribbon to the new premises and people from the borough were invited for a buffet lunch.

Mrs Georgiou, said: “We had the lease to this premises when we started ACT. It just came together. But we were unable to use it. So, whatever money we made this year we have put into this building.”

Adult Community ESOL will hold citizenship classes and speaking and listening classes.

In September ACE was awarded £10,000 Awards for All, Lottery funding to supply “ESOL Learning Lunches” twice a week for the next 12 months.

The lunches are to give people from different community groups an opportunity to get together over lunch to discuss relevant topics, issues and interests.

Mrs Georgiou said: “I thought it would be years down the line before we did anything else.

“It has been a busy year.

“We have got everything we need, classrooms, resources, and teachers.”

Mrs Georgiou praised the Future Jobs Fund staff working with her and is vowing to keep them on.

She added: “We have had many loyal supporters throughout the year. It is more than I ever expected and the generosity of people has been more than I ever expected.

“It has been satisfying, exciting, frustrating and tiring – but I would do it all again.

“I don’t regret it.”

Mrs Georgiou concluded: “There is a need for a centre like this in Rochdale. If we don’t do it someone else would.”

Councillor Keith Swift added: “It is terrific to see another success in Rochdale.

“This business has expanded after only 12 months and it’s a commendable effort on behalf of all involved.

“The level of skills in Rochdale has improved in the last two years and places like this will continue to raise the level of skills across the borough which will help to attract new businesses to the town.

“Adult Community Training is playing a really big part in the future of the borough.”

Councillor Swift added: “Improving skills, changes lives, is the Council’s campaign message and it really is true that people can improve and change their lives.”

Councillor Swift concluded: “I myself train here. I have been doing a European Computer Driving License. The staff are really helpful and nothing is too much trouble for them.

“I would encourage anyone who wants to improve their skills to contact Jane.”