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Gorbals is one of the most deprived neighbourhoods in Glasgow with a history of poverty and various barriers to social inclusion and participation in learning. As a result, levels of health, employment and educational attainment are all considerably below the Scottish average. Gorbals Library and Real Learning Centre is an excellent example of ongoing community engagement that is shaping public service delivery. It is the latest addition to Glasgow’s community-based library network, and the centrepiece of the three-year Gorbals Digital Inclusion Project, which aims to break down these barriers by increasing awareness of ICT, developing and delivering learning programmes, and channelling community input. Gorbals Library and Real Learning Centre exists to encourage local people to develop the skills and confidence to access Council services using digital technology, thereby increasing opportunities for learning and training, and providing a route to employment and better-paid jobs. It has particular digital inclusion targets over a three-year period: to engage with local citizens, and to support jobless people in securing employment and projects supporting linkages to ICT networks. The centre has already demonstrated significant achievements, making the case for further partnership investment, and indicating that it is improving people’s quality of life and life chances.
Susan Taylor
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