The Festival of Learning Have a Go Month happens every September, and it’s a time to appreciate learning and its benefits. It’s been almost 30 years since the Adult Learners’ Week campaign was initiated. The idea behind the campaign was to encourage adults to pursue education, no matter their age. This was done to inspire people to learn and transform their lives, eventually leading to the creation of the Festival of Learning Have a Go Month, a campaign with innovative methods to make education accessible to adults.
History of Festival of Learning Have a Go Month
In 1992, Adult Learners’ Week was created to open doors to more opportunities for adult learners. It aims to improve the quality of education they receive. People were asked to help the stakeholders and decision-makers improve the adult standard of education. Soon, this campaign became a celebration of adult learning and helped attract more attention. As the years passed, the campaign saw greater participation rates.The Festival of Learning Have a Go Month was created in 2013 as an extension of Adult Learners’ Week to provide more opportunities to learners, policymakers, and stakeholders. The 25th anniversary was celebrated in 2017 with H.R.H. the Princess Royal, patron of the Learning and Work Institute. Since then, the Festival of Learning Have a Go Month has continued expanding and inspiring more adults to learn.In 2020, another initiative, Lifelong Learning Week, was set in motion to drive home the point that there is no age limit for learning. The Festival of Learning Have a Go Month has many programs, events, awards, and various ways to join the initiative. Educators, sponsors, providers, tutors, and other learners can participate and make a difference, while organizations can sponsor the awards or events. Every November, nominations are opened for the award ceremonies.
Festival of Learning Have a Go Month timeline
Adult Learners' Week is created in the United Kingdom.
The Festival of Learning campaign is initiated as a part of Adult Learners' week.
The 25th anniversary of Adult Learners’ Week is celebrated with the H.R.H. the Princess Royal in attendance.
Festival of Learning Have a Go Month is initiated to encourage more adults to continue learning.
Festival of Learning Have a Go Month FAQs
What does being a lifelong learner mean?
Being a lifelong learner means you have an unquenchable quest for learning. You are always curious and never stop learning, regardless of age. Learning is your decision, and you are self-motivated.
Why is learning important in life?
Learning helps us develop psychologically, improving our lives personally and professionally. It keeps us knowledgeable, which is essential for survival and gives life a purpose.
What are the three types of learning?
Fundamentally, there are three types of cognitive learning. They are auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. There are common characteristics to each of these types. Some people learn better with one over the other.
Festival of Learning Have a Go Month Activities
-
Start learning
If you are an adult who never got a chance to finish your education, this is your time to do it. It's never too late to start learning. Take the first step today, and see your life change before you.
-
Spread the word
Encourage other adults to learn with you. Find a partner to learn new things with and keep each others’ motivation flowing.
-
Contribute to the cause
Help the campaign reach a wider audience and impact the lives of thousands. Contribute to the cause or participate in its events.
5 Facts About Adult Learning That Will Blow Your Mind
-
Learning capacity increases with age
Studies show that the human ability to learn increases with age because of brain plasticity.
-
No one’s a master of multitasking
Even younger digital learners can't multitask without impacting other areas of their performance.
-
Adult learners know themselves well
Unlike children and teenagers who choose courses to mimic their parents or friends, adult learners decide for themselves.
-
Adult learners are experienced
Adult learners are more experienced and can think independently without being affected by outside influences.
-
It is the new norm
Today, about 40% of undergraduate students are adult learners.
Why We Love Festival of Learning Have a Go Month
-
It motivates people to start learning
Many adults shy away from learning, fearing what society might think of them. This month attempts to break negative stereotypes and encourage people to continue learning, regardless of age.
-
It changes lives
When people start learning, new opportunities open up for them. By completing professional courses, one can completely transform their lifestyle and do better financially. It eliminates the need for them to depend on others for their livelihood.
-
It is an opportunity to do something for the community
The Festival of National Have a Go Month gives people the chance to do something for their community. By helping and contributing to the events, you are improving educational standards and transforming the lives of thousands of adults.
Festival of Learning Have a Go Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | September 1 | Friday |
| 2024 | September 1 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 1 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
