As part of Adult Learning Wales’ ongoing efforts to support numeracy development, a budgeting course was delivered at Links, Llanelli in Carmarthenshire, on 14th November 2024. This course was aimed at Entry 2 learners and focused on essential budgeting skills as part of the Multiply Project. The course, delivered by tutor Andrea Planas, provided learners with practical, real-life skills to manage their finances and engage with numeracy in everyday contexts.

Learning Outcomes
The course content was designed to meet specific Numeracy Standards aligned with the Welsh Government’s Adult Learning Framework. The course covered the following key numeracy skills – adding and subtracting sums of money using decimal notation, as well as rounding amounts to the nearest pound or 10p to make approximate calculations. Additionally, the course focused on recalling basic addition and subtraction facts to 20, and helping learners understand and work with decimals in practical contexts, such as money. These foundational skills equipped participants with the tools they need to manage their finances confidently and accurately.

ESDGC
In addition to numeracy, the course integrated several key themes from ESDGC, encouraging learners to consider broader social, ethical, and environmental issues in relation to budgeting. These included:

• Wealth and Poverty: Understanding basic needs, quality of life, and the real value of goods in the context of personal finances.
• Health: Recognising the importance of financial planning in caring for oneself and others, and understanding how budgeting contributes to overall well-being.
• Consumption and Waste: Promoting the idea of using resources carefully, reducing waste, and making informed choices in spending.

These themes helped learners develop a well-rounded understanding of budgeting that goes beyond simply managing numbers, encouraging them to think about their financial decisions in a broader, socially responsible context.

Bilingual Delivery and Welsh Language Consideration
Adult Learning Wales ensures that its courses are inclusive and accessible to all learners. For this budgeting course, all resources were provided bilingually, with course materials available in both English and Welsh. The primary language of delivery was English, but the tutor, Andrea, incorporated some Welsh language elements to support learners and reflect the organisation’s commitment to the Welsh language.

Learner Responses and Outcomes
The budgeting course received positive feedback from participants, who highlighted the relevance of the content and the practical application of the skills learned. Learners reported feeling more confident in their ability to manage their personal finances, with a better understanding of budgeting techniques and how to make informed financial decisions.

The Learner’s Voice:
“I didn’t realise how much my essential outgoings were until we wrote them our today, and I am quite happy that I am coping well with my money when I see how much is going out”

“It made me think of ways to cut back on what I spend to save for a little holiday.”

“It is good to remind yourself of what you are spending and how to budget to save, as it’s too easy to tap your card and spend too much”

Click here to find out more about The Multiply project: www.adultlearning.wales/about/about-us/the-multiply-project/