POOLS Project

Sabhal Mor Ostaig and Cothrom have announced a joint initiative in Uist to tackle literacies for both Gaelic and English language trainees.  Entitled 'Multimedia Learning in Multilingual Communities' the project will bring together students and teachers of Gaelic and English as a Second Language.

With a support grant from the Scottish Executives's Learning Connections ICT Literacies Innovation Fund the project will focus on developing digital audio / video materials based on students own experiences and needs, either at work or in the wider community.  Samples of this work can be viewd at www.languages.dk

The project dovetails neatly with the European 'Producing Open Online Learning Systems' (POOLS) project,  Pools is a Leonardo II supported two year (2005-2007) project developing materials for language teaching and learning as well as teacher training courses based on pools of materials for nine languages; Basque, Danish, Dutch, English, Gaelic (Scottish), German, Lithuanian, Romanian, and Spanish.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more or in contributing to the project is urged to get in touch with Gordon Wells, who can be contacted at info@gordonwells.co.uk or visit his website at www.gordonwells.co.uk

 
Child Care

Cothrom offers the Children’s Care & Learning Development at Levels 2 and 3, an ideal for those who wish to develop their skills and knowledge in the field of childcare. The course involves tutorials and work placements with local Croileagan and nurseries throughout the islands. Without the support and encouragement of these organisation’s students would be unable to gain important practical skills and knowledge.

If you would like to learn more about what Cothrom has to offer in the field of childcare or to enrol for the next session in September contact Kathleen on 01870 602831 or email: kathleen.russell@cothrom.net

£200 Of Learning Could Open New Doors For You!!

Cothrom have recently become involved in the Individual Learning Account Scotland scheme. This is a simple way for you to get up to £200 a year towards the cost of learning something new. It is a Scottish Executive initiative for anyone aged 18 and over and living in Scotland who earns £15,000 or less per year or is on benefits. The money is not a loan so you don’t have to worry about paying any of it back.

 

For each course you do, you’ll need to contribute a minimum of £10 of your own money towards the cost.

 

Who knows where learning something new could take you? It might help you earn more money, get a better job or do something you really enjoy.

 

For an application pack call Individual Learning Account Scotland direct on 0808 100 1090.

Celebration Of Learning

On Friday 1st July 2005 our Information Technology and Administration SVQ students in Barra, pictured below, were presented with their SQA certificates by Angus Brendan MacNeil MP.

 

Angela MacLeod, Mairi MacDonald and Margaret MacNeil received their SVQ Level 2 in Administration and Fiona MacDonald attained an SVQ Level 2 in Information Technology.   The students worked well throughout the year and also had to undertake work placements as part of the course.

 

Following the success of our SVQ students in Barra and Uist, Cothrom would like to thank all employers and organisations that provided work placements.

Cothrom AGM - 2005

On Tuesday 24th May 2005 Cothrom Ltd held their 13th Annual General Meeting at the Stepping Stone Restaurant, Balivanich.   Guest speaker at the meeting was Frank Millsopp, General Manager of Cope Ltd, Shetland.   Cope Ltd (Community Opportunities for Participation in Enterprise ) is a social enterprise company established in 1998 who offer training, support and employment opportunities to adults with disabilities.   Mr Millsopp’s presentation was most interesting giving an insight into the many projects they run such as soap company, coffee shop and a catering business.

 

Students who studied for their SVQ in Administration, and Information Technology received their certificates at the meeting.    These were presented by Lesley MacEvoy, Hi Hopes Co-ordinator.   Many congratulations to our students.

 

The Directors’ Report was presented by Neil MacDonald who updated everyone on Cothrom’s activities over the past year including progress on the new build project and the success of the recent evening classes held in conjunction with the Community Education Department.   Mr MacDonald also thanked the two resigning Directors, Kaite MacNeil and Mary MacInnes for their hard work and support during their time on the Board.

 

Paul MacKenzie and Helen MacLean (see webpage at www.cothrom.net/helen_maclean.htm) were appointed to the Board as new Cothrom Directors.

 

The formal proceedings drew to a close with Sandy Sinclair extending thanks to all those who attended, especially Frank and Lesley who had travelled from Shetland.