Central Otago Rural Education Activities Programme (CO Reap) adult community education leader Emma McLean said out of the 109 people who answered the survey, the biggest change was the increase in demand for classes in wellbeing, as people look for ways to take care of themselves with the stresses in life.
As well as help the organisation gauge demand for what classes are in demand, the survey also showed them barriers to taking classes, the two major ones were cost and time, she said.
A challenge for the organisation was reaching out to the community to let them know what is available.
"One of our challenges is actually reaching people and letting them know what is available."
The survey has allowed CO Reap to plan for the year with new courses and well as tweak existing programmes.
One of the changes spurred by the survey was bringing the organisations "choices" programme to Luggate.
The programme was a pathway programme grounded in literacy, numeracy and digital skills to help people into further study or work, she said.
Luggate was selected as Alexandra was too far for people in the Cromwell, Wanaka and other parts of the Upper Clutha area to travel.
"So it’s just opening it up again so that we can reach our whole demographic," she said.
The survey was part of CO Reap’s constant engagement with the community, so the organisation can ensure the needs of Central Otago are being met, she said.
The ability to adapt to community was one of the great things about the organisation, being able to evolve and adapt to changing needs as well as create new opportunities for the community.
CO Reap adult community education facilitator Heather Breen said she was really excited for the new year.
"We set our plan for the year, which is great, all of those key programs are set and then we’re open to more," she said.
