LDC Background
Learning & Development Centre Ltd (LDC) was originally established in 2001 under the name Research & Development Centre for Ethiopians in Britain (RDCEB). Its primary mission was to address the immediate needs of Ethiopian and Eritrean refugees and asylum seekers residing in the UK. For the first nine years of its operation, from 2001 to 2009, RDCEB built a commendable track record of success, delivering a wide range of community-oriented services. These included supplementary education programs, IT literacy training, drop-in advice services, and various community activities designed to support and empower the refugee and asylum seeker populations.
However, from around 2009 onward, there was a noticeable decline in the influx of new Ethiopian and Eritrean arrivals into London. This decline was largely due to the UK government’s dispersal policy, which redistributed refugee populations across different regions. Concurrently, the majority of the existing refugee and asylum seeker community had integrated into British society, acquiring British citizenship and thus changing the landscape of community needs.
In response to these evolving circumstances, RDCEB underwent a significant transformation in 2010. It was restructured and registered as Learning & Development Centre Ltd (LDC) with the Companies House and the Charity Commission. This reformation involved a comprehensive overhaul of its organizational structure, including a change of name, legal status, and a shift in target groups to better reflect and address the broader needs of diverse ethnic minority communities beyond just Ethiopians and Eritreans.
To fulfil its revised objectives, LDC established a community-based Supplementary School and secured a dedicated learning centre. This centre serves as a hub for delivering educational activities and community services at any time, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for service users. Additionally, LDC has developed and implemented a wide array of policies, curricula, procedures, and monitoring systems. These frameworks ensure that the supplementary school operates efficiently, safely, and effectively, providing high-quality educational and community services in line with organizational goals.
Over the past 26 years, from 2001 to 2026, LDC has demonstrated a sustained and successful track record of delivering its projects and services. Its ability to adapt to changing community needs and maintain uninterrupted service delivery underscores its commitment to empowering minority communities through education, training, and community engagement.
Statement of Mission & Objectives
The core mission of LDC is to empower disadvantaged children and young people by providing targeted educational support and enriching development opportunities. Our primary objectives are as follows:
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Enhance Educational Achievement:
LDC is dedicated to offering supplementary educational programs that bridge gaps in learning for children and youth facing socioeconomic challenges. By providing additional academic support, tutoring, and resources, we aim to improve their educational performance, boost confidence, and help them attain their full academic potential. -
Create Holistic Development Opportunities During School Holidays:
We strive to organize engaging and meaningful activities during school breaks that foster vital life skills. These activities include outdoor physical pursuits such as multi-sport and fitness exercises designed to promote physical health, teamwork, and resilience. Additionally, indoor enrichment activities—such as artistic workshops, creative expression, and lessons on healthy eating—are incorporated to encourage healthy lifestyles, stimulate creativity, and develop self-discipline. These initiatives aim to equip children and young people with the tools necessary to maintain good health, stay active, and develop skills beneficial for their future careers and personal growth. -
Foster Parental Engagement and Community Awareness:
LDC recognizes the importance of involving parents and guardians in the educational and moral development of their children. We aim to raise parental awareness regarding the significance of supporting their children’s education, cultivating self-esteem, and instilling strong ethical and moral values. Through workshops, family engagement activities, and community outreach, we seek to empower parents to actively participate in nurturing a sense of integrity, responsibility, and inclusiveness within their families and the wider community.
In summary, LDC’s mission is to support disadvantaged youth through educational enhancement, holistic life skills development, and fostering stronger community and family involvement. Our overarching goal is to create a nurturing environment where every child and young person can thrive academically, socially, and morally, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future.
