Rethinking literacy

“Despite the global progress with regards to literacy, disadvantaged populations and individuals are still excluded from quality learning provision” concludes the Global Report for Adult Learning and Education. The report, titled “Rethinking Literacy” was launched in Amman, Jordania on 8th September 2013 and it places a special focus on adult literacy as a foundation for adult learning and education, in addition to other topics such as promoting, financing and conducting quality assurance for adult education programmes and strategies.

Carolyn Medel-Anonuevo, from UNESCO's Institute for Lifelong Learning pointed out that "literacy courses are only the first step to lifelong learning and that they should prepare people for future learning by encouraging skills to critically analyse information and take decisions."

The Institute of International Cooperation of the German Adult Education Association, dvv international, launched the second edition of the Global Report for Adult Learning and Education (GRALE) in cooperation with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) and International Council for Adult Education (ICAE).

The launch took place on 8th September, 2013, in Amman, on the occasion of International Literacy Day.

Entitled Rethinking Literacy, the second GRALE was launched along the sidelines of the 7th ICAE Academy for Lifelong Learning Advocacy (IALLA) course which is being implemented by dvv international and ICAE for the first time in Jordan and the region.

The launch was attended by approximately 60 participants from Jordan and 40 international adult education experts. The event's agenda included a brief presentation of the Report and a panel discussion featuring representatives from international, regional and Jordanian adult education institutions.

The Report showed that despite the global progress with regards to literacy, disadvantaged populations and individuals are still excluded from quality learning provision. As such, the current Report places a special focus on adult literacy as a foundation for adult learning and education, in addition to other topics such as promoting, financing and conducting quality assurance for adult education programmes and strategies.

UIL Deputy Director Carolyn Medel-Anonuevo pointed out, "Literacy courses are only the first step to lifelong learning and that they should prepare people for future learning by encouraging skills to critically analyse information and take decisions."

In turn, dvv international Regional Director Middle East Katrin Denys stated, "The key to enabling individuals with regards to lifelong learning and development is qualified trainers and facilitators as well as a strong network of education centres close to people's homes."

GRALE is a reference document and an advocacy tool that allows decision makers and practitioners to take stock of and measure progress in adult learning and education. It provides an overview of the trends in adult learning and education in terms of policy discussions and achievements, and presents key results of national reports and regional meetings. It also identifies cross-cutting issues and presents recommendations on how to improve the status of adult learning and education.

Source: Voices Rising, ICAE.