26 Aug Embracing Lifelong Learning: The Journey of Adult Learners

As an educator, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of learning at every stage of life. This is why Adult Learners Week holds a special place in my heart. Celebrated at the beginning of September, this week-long event, from September 1 to 8, shines a spotlight on the diverse opportunities for adult education across Australia. It is a time to celebrate learning, to recognise the achievements of adult learners, and to inspire those who may be considering taking that first step back into education.

What is Adult Learners Week?

Adult Learners Week is part of a global festival that celebrates adult learning. This UNESCO initiative is supported in Australia by the Commonwealth Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and coordinated by Adult Learning Australia. It is a week filled with hundreds of events and activities, all designed to promote the benefits of lifelong learning.

This celebration also includes International Literacy Day on September 8, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights. It is a reminder that literacy is not just about reading and writing; it’s about empowering individuals and improving their quality of life.

The roots of Adult Learners Week stretch back to the late 1980s when the American Association for the Advancement of Education (AAAE) began promoting a broader celebration of adult learning. This movement gained momentum in 1990 at the Education for All world conference in Jomtien. Governments from around the world came together to set ambitious goals: achieving universal access to primary education and reducing adult illiteracy by half by the year 2000.

Since then, the celebration of adult learning has grown into an international movement, recognising that education is a lifelong journey, not a destination.

This Year’s Theme: “Take the Journey”

The theme for this year’s Adult Learners Week is “Take the Journey.” But what does this mean for adult learners?

For many adults, the idea of returning to education can feel daunting. There may be fears about not being able to keep up, concerns about balancing study with other responsibilities, or uncertainty about where this journey will lead.

“Take the Journey” is an invitation to overcome these fears, to embrace the challenges, and to discover the opportunities that learning can bring, no matter the subject.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Lao Tzu

A Journey of Empowerment

Education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about empowering oneself. It is about gaining the skills and confidence to navigate life’s challenges, to adapt to changes, and to pursue new opportunities.

Whether learning new skills for a career change, gaining digital literacy to stay connected in an increasingly online world, or simply pursuing a passion, adult education opens doors that might have seemed closed.

A Journey of Transformation

For many adult learners, education is a journey of transformation. It is a chance to rewrite their story, to overcome past challenges, and to create a brighter future.

Every year during Adult Learners Week, we hear stories of individuals who have turned their lives around through learning. These stories are a testament to the power of education to change lives. Read some of the stories here.

A Journey of Connection

Learning is also a journey of connection. It connects individuals to new ideas, to new communities, and to themselves.

Adult Learners Week is a celebration of these connections. It presents an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, to share experiences, and to build networks of support.

What will you be doing this Adult learners Week to connect with other lifelong learners? Find an event here.

Why Adult Learners Week Matters

Adult Learners Week is more than just a celebration; it is a call to action. It is a reminder that learning is for everyone, at every stage of life. It is a time to reflect on the importance of education in our society and to encourage those who may be hesitating to take that first step.

As educators, we have a responsibility to support and encourage adult learners. We can do this by creating inclusive learning environments, providing flexible learning options, and offering the support that adult learners need to succeed.

Take the Journey

So, as we celebrate Adult Learners Week, Women in Adult & Vocational Education (WAVE) encourages everyone to “Take the Journey.”

Whether you are considering returning to education, or are an educator, employer, or community leader, there’s a role for everyone in promoting and supporting adult learning. Together, we can create a culture of lifelong learning that empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and builds a brighter future for all.

Debra Parker FAITD (she/her) Lifelong Learner, Committee Member, WAVE

WAVE is a national network of women involved in VET, adult education and the broad field of work-related education and training. WAVE provides seminars & workshops, research, policy advocacy and advice, as well as networking on an international, national and state basis. We are supported within each state by local representation that in turn contributes collaboratively to national events and governance.

To join WAVE, and contribute to the work we do, visit https://wave.org.au/wave-membership/

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