• “Washing one’s hands of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral.”

The concept of education in which “knowledge is a gift bestowed by those who consider themselves knowledgeable upon those whom they consider to know nothing”.

The Freire Institute is organizing a Paulo Freire Study Weekend in the autumn in the North West of England’s beautiful Lake District. We will have a couple of seminars, some discussion and debate with plenty of time for eating, drinking and enjoying the attractions of the surrounding countryside. Details of the dates and venue will be published when we have confirmed these but places will be limited. If you think you may be interested in joining us on the Paulo Freire Study Weekend please contact us.

The secretary of state for innovation, universities and skills faced a hostile reception when he addressed a meeting at the lobby of parliament organized by CALL (the Campaigning Alliance for Lifelong Learning), reports The Guardian.

The government’s policy of seeking to target employment-related skills has meant severe cuts to many courses and a large decline in the number of adults participating in education classes. The Guardian reports that the minister, John Denham, received an “explosion of boos and jeers” when he referred to “holiday Spanish”. The suggestion that certain courses are frivolous was not well received.

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We are looking for people interested in creating community-based radio stations for broadcast on the internet or on FM with a local FM licence.

You may have creative ideas for programmes, a willingness to present shows or an interest in production. We are putting together some training packages for those who are interested.

Please contact us if you wish to get involved.