By Fakazani Mpwele

Adult Learners’ Week is a campaign that celebrates and promotes adult education and training. Millions of South Africans cannot read and write, many of whom believe that they are too old too learn. Adult Learners’ Week was introduced in 1996 to raise awareness around the fact that adult education and lifelong learning are basic rights. In 1999, Adult Learners’ Week is to take place from 6 to 11 September. The theme for this year’s campaign is ‘A tribute to life – A key to the African Century’.

Why Adult Learners’ Week

As government channels most of its educational resources to formal schooling, very little is left for adult education. Educating adults remains important though. Adults work and make important economic and social decisions on a daily basis. In addition, many adults are also parents, and are therefore in a very good position to promote a culture of learning within families and communities. For these and other reasons, special attention needs to be paid to adult learning. Adult Learners’ Week hopes to draw attention to adult education by:

w increasing the profile and recognition of adult learning;

w increasing participation in adult learning;

w building strong networks for all those involved in adult learning; and

w promoting national education and training objectives.

w Make sure that Adult Learners’ Week is included in your organization’s activity plan for 1999.

wPublicize Adult Learners’ week by including the relevant dates in all your publications.

wDiscuss ideas for local Adult Learners’ Week activities and promotions with colleagues and learners.

w Contact the Adult Learners’ Week team to get support for your ideas and to share these with participating groups.

Should you require any more information about Adult Learners’ Week, please call Thami or Brightness at AETASA at the following telephone number: (011) 333 8975. We welcome any ideas or suggestions from those interested in contributing towards the week.