In 2022, the Government approved £360,000 grant funding for the expansion of the Ron Davis Centre through the Smethwick Towns Fund programme.
Two new classrooms were constructed and officially opened in August 2023. The centre has since enrolled over 170 learners, with 117 of them attending courses, completing courses or gaining certificates.
The Sandwell Adult and Family Learning Service (SAFL) Ron Davis Centre in Smethwick provides a rich and varied range of leaning activities for residents, including adult learning, family learning, active targeting of careers advice to at risk groups and support for apprentices, traineeships, work experience and internships. The service is committed to providing the best possible opportunities for all learners, encouraging learners to their potential and to enjoy what the service has to offer.
Michaels story
After receiving training on resuscitation and the use of an AED on Friday 19 April 2024, Michael was required to put his new skills into practice on Monday 23 April 2024.
Michael Phillips attending the Basic First Aid Course at Ron Davis Centre
Michael was on the number 4M bus heading to West Bromwich when the bus stopped near the new square. As a male passenger was about to exit, he suddenly collapsed. The bus driver quickly attended to the man and determined he wasn’t breathing. The driver called 999 for emergency help and began CPR. The ambulance control officer informed the driver of the nearest AED location and provided the access code.
Michael volunteered to retrieve the AED, which was located near Tesco supermarket. Upon returning to the bus, he prepared the AED, placed the pads on the man’s chest, and followed the device's voice prompts to administer a shock. After the shock, the man started breathing again.
Thanks to the combined efforts of Michael and the bus driver, the man’s life was saved. When the paramedics arrived shortly after, they found the man sitting up. They took him to the hospital for further treatment.
Michael remained calm throughout the entire incident. Michael said, “If I hadn’t had AED training, I wouldn’t have known what to do. This first aid course has given me the knowledge and confidence to help in an emergency.”
First aid tutor Jackie praised Michael for his calm actions and willingness to assist a stranger. She remarked, “Everyone should learn first aid, you never know when you might need it and you could help save someone’s life. First aid is a valuable skill at any age.”
Farzana's story
Farzana joined the Ron Davis Centre in September 2023, the same day her youngest daughter started nursery. She decided to return back to education after 19 years, something she had wanted to do for a long time but because she had children she prioritised their needs first. She also thought she was she was too old to get back into education, but she realised age is just a number. Anyone can return to education.
Farzana wanted to refresh her skills and learn something new. She also really wanted to be able to help her children with their school work and be a role model to them.
“I always report back to my children with what I have learnt and they also look forward to hearing what I have learnt. Returning to education has really boosted my confidence and it’s made me become more eager to succeed in my learning journey. The centre is local to me, which is really convenient."
The greatest thing about returning to education as an adult is that we are all able to respect each other, whether that’s classmates or the tutors. Everyone is always ready to help you and work together. I really look forward to my classes and I'm always the first to arrive. I have made loads of new friends at the centre, I call them my study buddies. We are always willing to help each other out."
I would like to progress further with my learning and hopefully it would lead to employment due to the new skills I have learnt. I would like to train as a teaching assistant, to be able to help a child become successful in their learning environment too”.