Our community faces a significant threat as the cherished Croydon Adult Learning and Training (CALAT) service risks being outsourced to external providers. This service is not merely an educational facility but a lifeline for hundreds of residents in Croydon. CALAT provides essential opportunities for adults to attain new skills, explore different vocations, and contribute more effectively to society.

For countless students, CALAT is a beacon of hope and transformation. Individuals who were once shy, unskilled, or simply in need of a second chance have found confidence and new careers through the courses offered. The impact extends beyond personal growth; it nurtures a vibrant community spirit, allowing residents to connect, share experiences, and support one another.

Moreover, the dedicated CALAT staff — who pour their passion and expertise into nurturing students' potential — deserve recognition and continuity. The abrupt shift to outsourcing jeopardizes not only the quality of education but also the job security of those who have worked tirelessly to foster an inclusive, supportive environment.

Outsourcing CALAT threatens to dilute the bespoke and personal touch that has made the service so successful. Larger, profit-driven providers may not share the same commitment to individual student success or community enrichment. Furthermore, transitioning to different providers could introduce unnecessary disruptions, diminishing the trust and rapport built over years.

We've witnessed how services elsewhere, once privatised, often suffer from reduced quality and increased barriers to access. We cannot afford for CALAT to meet such a fate. Preserving CALAT intact is not just an investment in our community's future but a necessary step in safeguarding the essential services that uplift residents and provide real pathways to improvement.

Help us keep CALAT within the community, ensuring that it continues to thrive and support all who seek to better themselves. Sign our petition urging Croydon Council to retain CALAT under local management and continue empowering the lives of countless Croydon residents.