The Dunedin Community Learning Centre has been running for more than 30 years, providing classes for adult students with intellectual disabilities.
Three days a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays up to 30 students are guided by four staff members, keeping them occupied and engaged with a number of pursuits.
Manager Sheryl Mitchell said mornings were for more structured learning and in the afternoon the students had options to do their own activities, including dancing, playing computer games or going to the library.
As well as taking part in classroom activities the students were also helped with life skills.
"We go out into the community for shopping on a Thursday morning, and on Wednesday morning we do cooking," Mrs Mitchell said.
With a range of abilities, the staff had to work hard to cater to the needs of all the students.
Some were blind, deaf or had limited communication abilities, she said.
Funding was always a challenge for the centre, getting by on donations and grants as well as fees paid by parents and caregivers for each student, Mrs Mitchell said.
Applying for grants had become harder and harder.
"Because everyone is in the same boat wanting money."
Most of the students had been coming for some time, and if they were not able to visit the learning centre it was likely they would be "sitting at home doing nothing", Mrs Mitchell said.
"So this way they are mixing and friendships are formed."
The staff had great affection for the students.
"It is for the love of it ... it is a very rewarding job, no two days are the same."
