1 Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education Session 6: Quality and Relevance of Post-Primary Education: Demand and Supply of teachers for Post-Primary Education, Curriculum and Skills Development LIFELONG LEARNING CONNECTIONS: THE NODAL ROLE OF DIVERSIFIED POST- PRIMARY AND POST-BASIC APPROACHES Adama Ouane Director, UIL ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Beyond Primary Education: Challenges and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa

2 Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education Problem statement  The holistic and integrated nature of LLL offers the necessary framework to cater for PPE of various kinds.  This presentation concentrates on the learning connections given by the LLL approach and the implications of this approach for post- primary and post-basic education.  The recognition of NFE and informal education is underlined. ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa

3 Four Assumptions 1.LLL as organizing principles for post- primary and post-basic education 2.Curriculum integration across a broad array of subjects and competencies 3.A comprehensive system of recognition and validation of all learning 4.Alternative approaches to PPET ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa

4 1.LLL as organizing principle for post-primary and post-basic education LLL perspective entails a concern for all post-basic education  based on the concept of a learning continuum,  embracing and integrating all kinds of learning and demanding the creation of conditions for learning to be lifelong and life-wide. ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa

5 The idea of LLL rests upon integrating learning and living both vertically and horizontally: Vertically: from birth to death, connecting various developmental stages of the learner (infant, child, adolescent and adult) and different levels of education (pre-school, primary, secondary, higher). Horizontally: ´linking learning to all spheres of life: family, community, study, work and leisure.

6 LLL also involves the tasks of linking different types of education: NON-FORMAL EDUCATION Sector System/ Struture LIFELONG FORMAL EDUCATION INFORMAL LEARNING NARROW STRONG WIDER WEAK

7 Three misconceptions should be dispelled with regard to LLL: LLL is neither a new concept nor a system only for rich and developed countries. LLL is not limited to adult learning neither is it limited to children in secondary and higher education. It concerns youth and adults in all forms of education. LLL is not linked to academic education and vocational training, employability and the world of work. It entails also active citizenship, social participation, leisure, self- fulfillment and learning for enlightment. It covers the whole spectrum of life.

8 While looking into the nodal role of LLL connections geared to PPE three major questions often asked are raised: How can we get away from viewing LLL as a slogan and move into action? How should we promote LLL to really ensure learning throughout life? How should LLL be grounded in educational policy and practice?

9 Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education 2.Curriculum integration across a broad array of subjects and competencies: °LLL is life itself. The continuing acquisition of knowledge, skills, wisdom and behavior patterns is probably the most distinctive feature of human species. °All forms of learning can develop the competencies needed for an individual to lead an overall successful and responsible life, as well as to face present and future challenges in contemporary society. ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Beyond Primary Education: Challenges and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa

10 This is the main purpose of LLL and the key to it can be summed up in the phrase “learning to learn”.

11 The holistic and integrated nature of LLL is reflected in a form of curriculum development that provides diversified contents, caters for the needs and demands of different groups and covers general as well as technical and vocational education and training.

12 Connecting learning worlds, bridging between levels of education and learning, integrating content and valuing all kinds of learng and traing achievements are also essential aims for LLL.

13 The LLL approach to the organization of curriculum can be the integrative aspect linking different forms and types of learning and creating conditions for continuing learning and for accumulation and validation of competencies and capabilities acquired over time.

14 Equal access to post-primary and post- basic education, including training for life skills and basic vocational skills can only be extended to all if there is a system of LLL integrating all these other forms of education, training and social as well as cultural learning needs.

15 Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education 3.A Comprehensive System of Recognition and Validation of Learning: LLL requires two major efforts or shifts: ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Every student or learner who leaves the system of initial education must do so only if he/she has attained a level of learning ability that equips him/her to benefit from future exposure to learning. Opportunities to continue learning have to be stimulated, be it formal, non- formal or informal settings using all channels and learning aids and spaces.

16 The post-primary models proposed will lead to a better distribution of the benefits of learning and improve access to higher education and higher order training.

17 The challenge faced by most African countries is to focus on building a foundation for LLL which goes beyond UPE and creates not only a structure but an organic system of secondary, technical and vocational education that will enable young people to complete school or graduate from NFE courses and to continue learning and acquiring the necessary competence for a job or self-employment.

18 Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education 4.ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO PPET One possible overall remedy for the problematic of low achievers is the broad implementation of LLL offering suitably diversified alternatives, different and complementary routes and opportunities to catch up improve skills and competencies and to acquire new knowledge and capabilities. ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Beyond Primary Education: Challenges and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa

19 Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education The African region is witnessing more and more policies and strategies linking different forms and stages of learning. Two country examples: Namibia South Africa ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Beyond Primary Education: Challenges and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa

20 Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education Namibia: NFE equivalent education is part of the “formal system.” LLL perspective through regular school system and the National Literacy Programme in Namibia (NPLN), followed by Adult Upper Primary Education Programme (AUPE), leading to further academic education by distance (Namibia College of Open Learning: NAMCOL). ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa

21 Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education South Africa: ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Beyond Primary Education: Challenges and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa All individuals should have access to lifelong education and training irrespective of race, class, gender, creed or age.

22 Beyond Primary Education: Challenges of and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) Biennale 2008 on Post-Primary Education South Africa’s 7 Legislations: ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa Beyond Primary Education: Challenges and Approaches to Expanding Learning Opportunities in Africa 1. South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) Act of National Education Policy Act & South African Schools Act of Higher Education Act of Further Education and Training Act of Skills Development Act of Skills Development Levy Act of Adult Education and Training (ABET) Act of 2000 National Quality Assurance System est. in 2001/2002

23 Conclusions:  Opportunities should be organized to learn throughout the whole life.  More attention should be given to LLL which of course includes PPE. ADEA 2008 Biennale on Education in Africa