International Women's Day spotlight

For GCDA advancing gender equality is a significant part of our work and International Women's Day on Sunday March 8th provides a moment for us all to reflect on the incredible journeys of women the world over.

CEO Claire Pritchard says, "GCDA is a co-operative, a London Living Wage employer and an inclusive employer too. There are now nearly 60 women on our team, and I'm incredibly proud of the work they do to help advance gender equality. I'm constantly in awe too of the amazing women we meet day to day, who all become part of our journey."

Read on to learn more about just one of those women - Gillian Allison. She started as a GCDA learner and is now one of the team.

Gillian Allison is a tutor with GCDA Adult Learning

Gillian Allison was working full time as a schoolteacher in Greenwich when she first saw a Facebook post advertising GCDA Adult Learning, which is part of Greenwich Learns, the free adult community learning provision from Royal Borough of Greenwich.

Specialising in modern European languages, Gillian had a busy schedule and scarcely had time to turn around, let alone focus on herself. When she took early retirement due to ill health after 26 years in teaching, Gillian decided that she would finally prioritise herself.

Gillian discovered a passion for lino cuts

“I decided to book in for some of GCDA’s adult courses which are free, an important consideration when you live on a small pension. I enrolled for Sheila’s patchwork sessions and Joanna’s art classes, and the experience with both tutors more than fulfilled my expectations. I tried out lots of new techniques and discovered a flair for lino cutting, which I now love." 

Gillian so enjoyed mastering new artistic skills that she offered to volunteer alongside Art Tutor Joanna Clinton at GCDA’s half-term children’s sessions at Eltham and Woolwich libraries. Whilst there, she heard that GCDA was looking for an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) teacher and Joanna encouraged her to apply.

Gillian teaching ESOL sessions

“I got a new CV together,” laughs Gillian, “as I hadn’t done one in years. After an interview and a teaching observation session, I got the job. I was thrilled!”

That was two years ago, and Gillian is now a valued member of the GCDA team, teaching sessions at Woolwich Front Room, Kidbrooke Community Hub and Glyndon Community Centre - where she helps member of the Nepalese community improve their language skills.

“I love seeing students’ confidence grow,” says Gillian. “As a teacher, you’re like a key, helping people unlock their potential both in terms of their employment opportunities and social lives. It’s very rewarding.”

Not only is Gillian working for GCDA, but she has also recently been employed by The Uganda Community Relief Association (UCRA), teaching functional skills English and the Level 2 Teaching Assistant Award. Gillian says that GCDA Learning has opened up her horizons in countless ways.

“GCDA Learning has enabled me to grow and contribute to my community in ways I would never have imagined possible post-retirement. My confidence in my creative abilities has grown, and I've made new friends too.

I even won an i-Pad completing the London Learner Survey. I’ve never owned an i-Pad before, and I love it!

The atmosphere at GCDA is positive, fun and laid back, but at the same time you feel safe and supported and you’re always progressing your learning too. You’d never do that stuck at home. The possibilities with GCDA Learning are endless.”

Click here to explore GCDA Learning's FREE range of courses for adult learners and make International Women's Day the day you start your journey with us.