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Cork a City of Learning.
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The definition used throughout the Green paper on Adult Education "includes
all systematic learning by adults which contributes to their development as
individuals and as members of the community and of society, apart from full-time
instruction received by persons as part of their uninterrupted initial education
and training.
It may be formal education which takes place in institutions,
e.g. training centres, schools, colleges, institutes and universities, or
non-formal education which is any other systematic form of learning including
self-directed learning."
Lifelong Learning is about changing the way we think about learning, teaching and
training. It stresses a high level of participation by all age groups and emphasises the
relevance of real life. It involves focusing on Initial Education/Training and on the
needs of individuals.
Cork the Learning City is attracting into lifelong learning, those
adults who left school early without qualifications thereby minimising individual
exclusion and isolation.
The task is great and urgent as people with an inadequate educational base and poor
qualifications are those most likely to be unemployed and socially isolated during their
lives.
Individual needs are complex and diverse so a voluntary flexible and progressive
learning pathway is required for individuals within and between education, training and
work.
This learning pathway should promote new learning opportunities offering access to
flexible progression accreditation, qualifications, personal and social support.
The City of Cork VEC/Adult Education Board, for many years supported these new
developing educational services as a first point of contact for adults re-entering
education and training.
Provision is made through the literacy schemes, family resources centres, home school
community liaison, elderly, travellers and disability groups.
Community Education Groups are co-operating within their
learning localities [networks] to avoid
inappropriate duplication of courses and to use resources effectively for the benefit of
the adult student.
Financial contributors include, the City of Cork VEC/Adult Education Board, Cork City Partnership,
FAS, Department of Social and family affairs, Southern Health Board and others.
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