When you mull the idea of lifelong learning, you probably feel it’s time to explore new skills and edge closer towards reaching your full potential. But the journey can sometimes feel confusing or even a little daunting. On the other hand, you might not even be aware that the right course for you exists! That’s where the guidance teams come in, helping you discover the right course for you and making sure you stay on track and motivated along the way. 

In 2020, the Directorate for Lifelong Learning, and Employability (DLE) established its own impartial guidance team. Made of skilled practitioners, the team operates across DLE’s Lifelong Learning centres. The guidance services are personalised, and their aim includes communicating with learners, advising, providing information, making referrals, and counselling. The team also actively engages with prospective learners and proactively reaches out to encourage individuals to take up courses and improve their lives.  

Thelma Desira is part of the team of guidance professionals. Calm and always with an encouraging smile on her face, she shared her insights on the challenges and opportunities faced by individuals who seek to enhance their learning in their adulthood. She observed that many students approach the department with a range of labels attached to them; labels that they have developed throughout their lives. "They come to us with what I would describe as a whole baggage of experiences," she said. "This means that we need to help them change their perceptions of themselves and their abilities."

Ms Desira explained that these perceptions often include negative beliefs about their own intelligence or capabilities. "For example, some people may hold the belief that they are ignorant," she said. "The first thing that we help them do is to reflect on why they believe this about themselves. Often, it’s a perception rooted in past experiences or comments they’ve heard repeatedly throughout their lives. One of the first things we do is to praise them for taking the initiative to come and visit us. That simple act can give them their first confidence boost, which is crucial for their ongoing development," she explained.

Many of the people who come to the Lifelong Learning Department have endured significant trauma. "Some of them have only ever heard negative comments about themselves and their education," the guidance professional said. The people who seek our help come from a wide variety of backgrounds. We don’t just wait for people to come to us, but we collaborate closely with NGOs, such as the Richmond Foundation and the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS), to reach individuals who might benefit from our services."

These courses serve as stepping stones for these adults’ personal and professional growth. "For example, we’ve had domestic staff who were guided towards courses so that they may learn how to become more confident in themselves. It’s not just about gaining new skills, it’s also about building self-esteem and empowering individuals to see themselves in a new light."

She added that Lifelong Learning reaches out to a wide range of people, including pensioners who are eager to understand more about the world around them. "Many of the older people have a set routine that provides them with a sense of security," she said. "We are very careful not to disrupt the routines they are used to. For these individuals, lifelong learning is not just about acquiring knowledge, it’s also about maintaining a sense of stability and connection with the community."

Ms. Thelma Desira (On the Left) and Ms. Angela Jones (On the Right)

Angela Jones, who has been a Lifelong Learning Programme Coordinator for three years, also shared her experiences. "You are never fully prepared for everything that comes your way. To be an effective guidance professional, you need to be open to whatever challenges or opportunities arise. You need to take a genuine interest in a wide range of topics, not just in academic research related to your subject, but also in networking and building connections with other professionals and institutions."

Ms Jones emphasised the importance of continuous professional development for those working in guidance roles. "We constantly need to be retrained to stay up to date with the latest developments in our field. You have to be skilled and well trained to understand why that person is seeking guidance and what their unique needs and challenges are."

She pointed out that the individuals who seek guidance come from all walks of life. "Some of them neglected their studies at an early stage in their life and want to catch up whilst they are still young," she said. "On the other hand, we also work with people who are 60 years old or older, and their needs are entirely different. Often, these individuals are not just looking to learn, but they also crave social interaction," concluded Angela Jones. 

To get in touch with the guidance team, learners may click here to access the contact form.