Our vision is of ... lifelong learning

Having access to learning is a basic right. In times of economic downturn it is more important than ever to maintain, and indeed, increase such access, particularly for those experiencing multiple disadvantages.

In addition to equipping people for employment, adult learning improves community inclusion and cohesion, increases civic engagement (including voting), supports children’s learning, decreases dependency on health and social care services, and nurtures entrepreneurship and innovation.

Adult learning can reach, and provide a second chance, to those who have been failed by the conventional education system – particularly those who leave school without formal qualifications. Nurturing a broader culture of learning will strengthen the success of the Skills Strategy and create pathways to it for those for whom it will seem remote and daunting.

In order to realise our vision of a Northern Ireland with a strong culture of lifelong learning and skills development politicians and political parties should:

• Support initiatives to ensure access for all to learning by pledging to ensure support for those adults facing barriers to learning, be these financial, physical, social or institutional, particularly those with no or few qualifications.
• Develop a strategy for life long learning to ensure everyone values learning and is supported through life to develop to full capacity.
• Support the formation of an All Party Group on Adult Learning in the new Assembly.