White Paper on Adult Education, 2000
Summary
In 2000 the Irish Government published the first ever White Paper on Adult Education in the history of the State. Entitled Learning for Life, it set out a framework for the development of the Adult and Community Education Service recognising it as a key sector in the lifelong learning continuum. The Paper defines adult education as "systematic learning undertaken by adults who return to learning having concluded initial education or training"
The Paper recommends that adult education be underpinned by three core principles, promoting:
- A Systemic Approach - requiring that '...educational policies must be designed to embrace the life cycle, reflect the multiplicity of sites, both formal and informal, in which learning can take place, provide for appropriate supports such as guidance, counselling and childcare, and for mechanisms to assess learning...'
- Equality - 'of access, participation and outcome for participants in adult education, with proactive strategies to counteract barriers arising from differences of socio-economic status, gender, ethnicity and disability...'
- Inter-culturalism - 'the need to frame educational policy and practice in the context of serving a diverse population as opposed to a uniform one, and the development of curricula, materials, training and in-service, modes of assessment and delivery methods which accept such diversity as the norm...'
A number of recommendations made by the White Paper are being implemented, most notably, The National Adult Literacy Programme, The Back to Education Initiative, the Adult Education Guidance Initiative and the appointment of the Community Education Facilitators. While much has been achieved, much remains to be done in practical terms to eliminate crucial issues in relation to access to education. AONTAS continues to lobby the Department of Education and Science on these issues and other issues which may arise.
