swarthmore education centre
The spirit of the Centre’s aims has remained unchanged for over 100 years:
Swarthmore seeks to inspire lives through friendly learning within a commitment
to equality of opportunity Swarthmore is a centre for lifelong learning,
community projects and family learning sessions as well as the courses and
activities. Our main aim is to encourage people who want to learn but might not
feel comfortable in more formal educational institutions. We work on a friendly,
human scale. Many volunteers currently support the Centre’s work, and we welcome
their contributions of time and energy. The Centre was founded by members of the
Quaker movement in 1909 with the aim of including and involving people in
learning activities and making sure that people were treated with equality and
respect. Two members of the Society of Friends remain on our democratically
elected ‘Council’ of Trustees, made up of Centre members and representatives of
community organisations with shared aims. Swarthmore is a not-for-profit
registered charity, and a company limited by guarantee. Our Grade II Listed
Building has a fascinating history and is made up of six four-story terraced
houses with additional dance and art studios to the rear. We have specialist
facilities for pottery, jewellery, stained glass and sculpture, and the
atmosphere is intentionally homely and informal. We also work within the local
community on negotiated projects, including arts and ‘Skills for Life’
programmes. Many groups and individuals make use of the Centre as a community
resource, providing facilities for a wide variety of local groups. Swarthmore
attracts a social mix of people who come to the Centre because of their shared
interests in learning rather than their background. We offer room hire at
competitive rates, and welcome the public to use our café facilities. If you
would like more information about the centre, SWARTHMORE’S CENTURY; A LEEDS
EXPERIMENT IN ADULT EDUCATION, 1909–2009 by Tom Steele is an authoritative look
into our history.
