Diocesan Press Release

Believing in Colleges

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 21 April 1998

Church leaders and faith communities generally have a lot to learn about colleges of further education, according to Janet Duffett, who has done some research in south London. So, the Principal of Lambeth College, Adrian Perry, is inviting them to college for a day. Together with anyone who is involved locally in further education, they are invited to a conference on Thursday, 30 April entitled, 'Believing in Colleges'.

The day long event will focus on new developments in colleges; the Government's New Deal pathfinder, the Kennedy Report on widening participation and other developments which affect students with special needs. There will also be a chance to discuss welfare issues in colleges.

Lambeth College welcomes links with wider community faith groups to promote the support and development of moral and spiritual values in education. The Principal feels this is a dimension of the College's work which should no longer be overlooked.

Janet Duffett, who undertook the research for the Southwark Diocesan Board of Education, says, 'in general, the faith communities know less about the work of the colleges than they do about schools and universities. Yet, there are ten colleges within the Diocese serving up to 100,000 students. Lambeth College has more than 8,000 people currently undertaking

courses, 80% of whom are aged over 19. Just under half are on full time courses, but 75% are unemployed. There are single parents, women returning to work after having families, men and women re-training for new skills, representing several ethnic groups, mostly from the local community. Like most inner city colleges, Lambeth has a mix of cultural backgrounds - over 60% of students are black Afro-Caribbean or Asian.'

Geoff Pine, the Principal of Woolwich College which has actively supported the research, will speak about partnerships with the community and the day will include a series of workshops for everyone involved.

A panel of faith representatives will include Dr Khan, an eminent national figure, and the Rev. Andrew Wakefield, Industrial Chaplain for South West London.

Telephone 020-7407 7911, Fax: 020-7378 1134, e-mail info@sdbe.demon.co.uk

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