The Community Engagement Project aims to create sustainable demand for and use of e-learning in communities.

The focus of the project in 2007 will be on developing more sustainable capacity for delivery of e-learning in communities. It will therefore have two complementary components, each capable of reaching disengaged and disadvantaged client groups, as well as enhancing adult learning and literacy and numeracy outcomes.

In 2007 the Community Engagement Project will work to enhance the sustainability of the e-learning capacity of the 14 communities/regions that were funded in 2005 and 2006. Champions supported through the 2005 and 2006 projects have knowledge, expertise and community relationships that with professional development could be extended within the communities and groups in which they operate.

The 2007 project will also develop and grow a further six community/regional development initiatives. Community groups and agencies that have existing networks and relationships with local community and business groups (eg Regional Transaction Centres, telecentres) will be targeted as a means of demonstrating the uptake and potential of e-learning, as well as leveraging and embedding the outcomes through their networks.

In 2007 the project will:

• build on existing partnerships and target initiatives that will have a direct impact on identified regional skills shortages and 'welfare to work' programs;
• target new initiatives to engage and leverage off other community and regional development networks and assist specific target groups (ie mature age workers, women returning to the workforce, people with disabilities and long term welfare recipients);
• provide support to 2005 and 2006 community leaders to mentor new projects in 2007; 
• develop a blended professional development program for community leaders incorporating the e-learning resources kit and other methodologies of learning models;
• strengthen and leverage links with other Framework projects and state / territory initiatives which support embedding of e-learning capabilities and outcomes in communities.

By both fostering improved learning outcomes and, through learning, sustainable economic and regional development for the communities involved, the project contributes directly to achievement of the objective of the national VET strategy that "Communities and regions will be strengthened economically and socially through learning and employment".