Lifelong Learning
Our Education and Lifelong Learning Programmes
Scots have been a proud nation of educators for hundreds of years and this has included a good grounding in the life and works of our National Bard. Art is, after all, there to inform us and few poets or songwriters have managed to inform as well as Burns.
Many Scots remember with fondness, learning 'this wee poem' or song by rote at school and receiving a cherished certificate which made them feel positive about their abilities. The work of the Federation has long been most visible through these efforts and it's not something we could imagine changing. We are well-nown for our schools competitions, but these are just the beginning. We wish to help all, no matter from which country or of whatever age, to come to a fuller understanding of the wisdom and unique talent of Burns and will give freely and unstintingly of our time to ensure this is achieved.
Whether you need assistance to organise a Burns Supper or want learn a poem or song, or whether you are struggling with the niceties of the Scots dialect, we'd like to assist.
Lifelong Learning
The Robert Burns World Federation was founded in 1885 and exists to act as a worldwide conduit for those interested in the life and work of Burns.
Our Lifelong Learning remit is achieved through engagement with schools and community learning to which we supply volunteer support, learning packs, schools’ competitions, youth Burns suppers and outreach work. In collaboration with the Centre for Robert Burns Studies at the University of Glasgow and the Edinburgh University Press, we publish the Burns Chronicle which is one of the oldest continuing literary publications in Scotland - commencing in 1892.
From Burns Suppers, through St Andrew's Nights and Festivals we encourage and develop celebratory and commemorative responses to the legacy of Robert Burns, Scots Language and Culture and promote in Scotland and across the world.
Ours is the largest association of clubs dedicated to educating and informing about Robert Burns and has over 250 member clubs throughout Scotland and beyond.
Burns poetry and songs are recognised worldwide and are known to provide a stimulus for reminiscence and recall.
Schools Competitions
A Box O’ Burns
Dementia affects the brain, making it harder to remember things or think as clearly as before. It can affect every area of human thinking, feeling and behaviour, but each person with dementia is different. How the illness affects someone depends on which area of their brain is damaged.
Research and lived experiences show that the power of music and poetry can unlock memories and reach parts of the brain to reduce the distressing symptoms of dementia. People with dementia very often have the ability to remember songs and poems and even if they’re unable to talk, they may be able to sing, whistle or clap their hands.
Our Box O’ Burns involves working in partnership with our member clubs, dementia resource centres and dementia groups to stimulate memories, feelings and thoughts by providing activities, based on Burns literature to help people living with dementia engage and enjoy participating along with their families and carers.
The Box O’ Burns will provide resources and guides for sessions which are friendly, inclusive, safe and rewarding for both families and participants. The project not only helps those who are in need of support but also contributes towards reducing social isolation by involving volunteer club members who (following dementia awareness and reminiscence training) will help deliver our sessions to support their local group.
Click below for our short introductory video