ACE Vic

During October, ACEVic and the ANHLC ACE Issues Group conducted a consultation process to gather feedback from the field about what they would like to see in the upcoming Ministerial Statement on ACE. The result is the following statement:

ACE builds the skills, knowledge and abilities of Victorian communities by providing 

• Informal learning opportunities alongside formal learning pathways,
• Welcoming and accepting environments,
• Pedagogy that is flexible and learner-focussed,
• Programs driven by local needs,
• A diverse range of organisations which each reflect, nurture and are involved with their local communities,
• Interpersonal connections to build better and stronger communities,
• Awareness of diversity, and promotion of harmony and connectedness,
• Entry level computer education to those who would otherwise be left behind in the digital revolution,
• Personalised attention so that learners feel valued and are not lost in the system.

ACE is build on a set of values and practices that encompass:

• Reinvesting skills, knowledge and money in local communities,
• Being in it for the long haul: an ongoing presence in specific localities reflecting a commitment to ensure all members have the opportunity to reach their potential,
• Connection to a broad range of social and community services and supports,
• Holistic application of adult learning practices,
• Commitment to all members of a community particularly the most disadvantaged and marginalised,
• Strong return on investment of resources.

The unique features of ACE that need to be maintained in the new funding and policy environment are:

• Registration as an ACE provider with the ACFE Board should be confined to those organisations which have a commitment to place based and driven community development,
• Registration as an ACE provider with the ACFE Board should be confined to those organisations who are community owned, managed and operated,
• Government policy should support collaboration, complementarity and partnership to meet local needs,
• Providers should be supported to maintain our flexibility and responsiveness alongside high quality standards,
• Government statements and policy should reflect ACE as a relevant, recognised and respected partner in the training system,
• The special significance of ACE in remote & rural communities should be protected because there will be devastating effects on those communities if local ACE providers are lost.

Representatives from ACEVic and ANHLC met with Minister Allan on the 3rd December 2007 to brief her on the statement.