Cardonald provides training for black and minority ethnic (BME) women in the community
25 June 2012
Cardonald College Glasgow has been working with Arklet Housing Association and Community Links Scotland to develop a programme for women from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds who live in Giffnock, Southside of Glasgow and East Renfrewshire.
This pilot project aimed to break down the barriers faced by BME women that can lead to poverty and social exclusion by enhancing training and employment opportunities in line with their cultural needs.
Cardonald College Glasgow's integral role in the project was to deliver SQA accredited childcare training to a group of women (identified by Arklet Housing Association) on an outreach basis at Giffnock Reform Church over 13 weeks.
Most of the women taking part in the programme had limited education, little or no work experience and spoke English as a second language. This taster opportunity helped them to build their interest and confidence in formal study and employment.
The project, which was funded by Wider Role, was a success; the majority of participants successfully completing SQA Play in Early Education and Childcare (Intermediate 1) which will guarantee them an interview for a full-time childcare course at Cardonald College Glasgow or help them seek employment as a childminder.
Naheed Asghar, Arklet Housing Association's BME Housing Coordinator commented: "The childcare course run by Cardonald College Glasgow was a fabulous success! All the participants fully enjoyed the course and felt inspired to consider the possibility of becoming a registered childminder.
"The course tutor Jill Keys was especially popular and the ladies felt she really made the course".
