EDVENTURE Frome is inviting residents of all ages back into the ‘classroom’ to bring about the change they want to see in the world with the announcement that applications are open for their start-up course and newest short course taking place in Frome from September.
Edventure Frome says, “The classroom is not the traditional one: we’re challenging start-up students to launch a real social venture into the world in just 11 weeks and short courses take a similar ‘learning by doing’ approach.
“If you’re a Somerset resident, this is a chance to get the experience, skills, support and connections needed to take the next steps in your career or to put your ideas out into the world. It’s a chance to be a changemaker, making Somerset a fairer, greener and healthier place. As Rob Hopkins of Transition Towns puts it, ‘If we wait for governments, it will be too late. If we act as individuals, it will be too little. But if we act as communities, it might just be enough, and it might just be in time.’
“Start-up is an 11-week course in community entrepreneurship. Our newest challenge is to lead the charge in creating a young person-led climate friendly pop-up food truck. Imagine a mobile kitchen serving mouth-watering dishes that young people crave, at a price that fits their budget, and all while being kind to the planet and our health. The challenge is being delivered in partnership with the Frome Food Network, a network of over 160 local food professionals from growers to chefs to journalists.”
Start-up is for all ages and for anyone living in Somerset – no existing skills are necessary. Past start-up projects have included the UK’s first library of things and first community fridge, ideas which have now spread throughout the country.
Edventure’s first Short Course in 2023/24 is ‘Positive Futures’. Over three Tuesday morning workshops in September, October and November, participants will learn key skills for social change including understanding inequality and how to build successful partnerships.
Make Shed also relaunches in September 2023 – a weekly open workshop space for people aged 18 to 35 to work on practical and creative projects, individually or with others. Regular tutor sessions also take place on everything from pottery to linocut.
Start-up, short courses, and Make Shed are all part of Somerset Skills and Learning wider educational offer.
Tugba, a past Edventure start-up student, said, ‘‘What Edventure does is […] real business in real life. It’s real learning and real authentic communication. It will have such an impact on your personal and professional life, so don’t hesitate.”
A past short course student, Anna, added, “The courses are always well-run, really interesting and accessible. I’m always amazed by the quality and experience of the teachers.”
Edventure supports community entrepreneurship in Somerset. Here, people come together to start things up, tackle community issues and gain skills and confidence to build a positive future, meaningful livelihoods, a resilient town, and a fairer, greener world.
For more information visit: www.edventurefrome.org
