UNESCO to Publish Lifelong Learning Book

(photo: Pixabay)
By Mei ManuelNovember 17th, 2018

A unique handbook regarding lifelong learning developed by UNESCO and its member countries during a forum in Shanghai from October 18 to 19 will be published next year, setting the standard on comprehensive management and pragmatic development of lifelong learning.

The main content of the "Handbook for Lifelong Learning: Policy and Practice" will focus on key concepts of lifelong learning, practical approaches to mainstreaming lifelong learning in education and development policies, its impact on governance, and relevant governmental strategies to develop it worldwide.

"The handbook will offer member states and all lifelong-learning stakeholders concrete directions to formulate and implement lifelong learning policies and strategies," said David Atchoarena, director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, at the International Consultative Meeting on Lifelong Learning at East China Normal University in Shanghai on Oct 18 and 19.

According to Atchoarena, the concrete terms refer to information that indicates the role of each person and the ways on how education and institutions more open to learners and answer the challenges to learning.

Lifelong learning is defined as all learning activities for knowledge and recognizes that it does not just occur in the classrooms but also throughout life.

"The importance of lifelong learning is growing fast on the global stage," says Atchoarena.

He also said that lifelong learning is an integral part of the plan to achieve sustainable development worldwide.

"This is why the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning launched the strategic project of the handbook to assist countries to operationalize lifelong learning in a way that meets their needs in line with specific conditions."

The concept of lifelong education was introduced to China in the late 1970s. Today, universities and institutions offering courses for the elderly can be found throughout the country. It is very popular and tend to be overbooked.

According to the China Association of the Universities for the Aged, there are currently more than 70,000 universities in China for the elderly with over 8 million enrolled students.

related articles
LATEST FROM Culture