Our Initiatives
Keep Learning Mid Canterbury
Since it began in October 2017, Keep Learning Mid Canterbury has organised a programme of at least 40 adult & community education events per year, on a wide variety of topics. These are open to anyone in the community and held around the district. Topics are diverse, for example workshops on budgeting, digital safety, flax weaving, cooking, astronomy, basic car maintenance and being Muslim in New Zealand.
Launched in October 2021, the Keep Learning website www.keeplearningmc.nz not only shows the events we organise but all other learning related events in the district. It is free for groups, businesses or individuals to list their events. People can subscribe to notifications so they get emails when new events are listed on the site, in categories of interest to them. The website is a hub for all learning events in Mid Canterbury so it's a great place for locals to find out what's going on.
Mid Canterbury TimeBank
In a TimeBank people connect, contribute and gain a sense of belonging as they give and receive help, exchanging time instead of money. Everyone's time and skills are valued equally. Timebanking software enables members to see each others' requests and offers, contact each other to organise support and then complete the time transfer for the exchange afterwards. Timebankers contribute their time and skills when they can, receive support when they need it and help build a more connected community, one exchange at a time. Popular exchanges include dog walking, decluttering, baking and garden advice.
The TimeBank also runs lots of social gatherings (usually 2 or 3 per month) so people can connect with others and have fun. Camps, potlucks, dress-up parties, games nights, family fun days, trips, BBQs, Cafe Catch Ups etc. Anyone in the wider community can attend the events we organise.