Learners Have Their Say at Annual Learner Conference
Learners from across Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s campuses came together to shape the organisation's learner engagement.
Held at Coleg Menai’s Friars site, the Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s Annual Learner Conference was held on Monday February 26th.
Over eighty Higher Education and Further Education learners from Coleg Menai, Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor and Coleg Llandrillo attended the all-day session.
The conference gave the learners a platform to share their views and experiences of life at college, and an opportunity to speak to senior staff members regarding any ideas they may have to enhance the activities and facilities available at college.
Learners also got to have their say on the future set of Values of Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, through an interactive poll session.
Guest speakers included Ann Williams, Education and Youth Engagement Officer at Welsh Parliament, who’s session provided an insight into the role of the Senedd and how the learners could make a difference. Frankie Mairs, Regional Fundraiser for Shelter Cymru, also provided an interactive workshop on homelessness in Wales and how learners could support fundraising activities
Past Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor Student Union President Deio Owen - who’s now Vice President of Welsh Language, Community and Culture at University of Cardiff - also attended the Conference. Deio discussed his current role with the University and how the Student Union can support their learning experience whilst studying with us.
Aaron Beacher, Student Enrichment Officer, said,
“This year’s learner conference focused on Learner Engagement, a vital aspect of a learner’s time with us at college. We’re looking forward to using the feedback and ideas gained from those who attended the conference to help shape how we converse with learners and get them involved. It was especially great to host an activity around values and hear their perspective on what values matter to them and why.
“It was also great to be able to educate our learners on how Shelter Cymru supports people throughout Wales with their housing needs - whether that’s with mortgage issues or facing homelessness. I want to thank all the learners that attended their Learner Conference and helped shape the future values of the Grŵp. I also want to thank all staff and partner organisations for their support to ensure that it was a successful productive event”
Frankie Mairs from Shelter Cymru added “ We had a great day attending Grŵp Menai Llandrillo’s learners conference, it’s the second year we’ve been in attendance as charity partner. It’s always such a well organised day and it’s brilliant to see the learners participating and using their voice to pave the way for change. Thank you so much for having us.”
Ann Williams from Senedd Cymru, explained,
“It was a valuable opportunity for the Senedd and Welsh Youth Parliament to raise awareness of how the work of the Senedd has an impact on our daily lives. The focus was how young people can get involved and make their opinions heard.
“In the session there were opportunities for students to debate some issues that are currently being discussed in the Senedd and to learn more about how laws are passed. There was also an opportunity to learn about the importance of young people voting and raising their voices on issues through the Welsh Youth Parliament”
