Maria Vasquez-Aguilar (City Literary Institute)

Head of Community Partnerships/Tutor, External Engagements, City Literary Institute

Election address

Having arrived as a child refugee, I know too well the importance of Adult Education. It was what enabled many in my community to further themselves in the country which gave them sanctuary.  

My first teaching job was in an Institute of Adult Education, a natural progression from community and youth work, and I've taught adults ever since. I have seen first-hand how it can transform lives; lifelong learning should not be seen as a privilege but a human right.  

I am proud to have had various trade union roles throughout my working life, as well as teaching for different unions, and am currently Branch Chair at City Lit.  

The battles we are facing in Adult Ed are immense, probably the most fraught I've seen; however, they can be won. It is imperative that issues such as casualisation, cuts in funding, and workload continue to be at the heart of our union's work at all levels.  

Adult Ed often gets overlooked and we were pleased to have had our motion passed at UCU Congress earlier this year which highlighted the pay imbalances in Adult Ed.    

If elected I aim to: 

·       Raise awareness of Adult Ed in the FE sector, and its benefits to learners and wider society 

·       Lobby for more government funding for Adult Ed   

·       Campaign to end casualisation  

·       Tackle stress and excessive workloads  

Our society is sadly a more fragmented place than it was when I arrived from Chile in the 1970s. Inequality has risen sharply, and we live much more individualised lives. This means unity is key, across the union and with other struggles. 

We must build bridges and take on those who wish to divide us. Therefore, I will campaign to: 

·       Collaborate with migrant justice groups and organisations to amplify the voices of those seeking sanctuary 

·       Educate our members on the reasons why people migrate and the importance of international solidarity  

·       Join with other unions in the fight against racism and fascism 

Our roles as educationalists, and trade unionists, are more important than ever. I have never forgotten the role that the labour movement played in supporting the Chileans - it is a clear reminder of the duty we have; to not only organise for a fairer and more dignified place of work, but for a more just society everywhere. 

¡El Pueblo Unido Jamás Será Vencido! / The People, United, Will Never Be Defeated!