Illustrative photo. Source: globalvolunteers.org

The report reveals that Vietnam in recent years has promoted special attention to education rural workers, and significantly increased its community learning centres. 

The report also commends Vietnam’s education strategy 2011–2020 which focuses on developing a learning society by creating social equity in access, and equal opportunities for everybody to engage in lifelong learning. 

Adult education is central to sustainable development and economic growth. However, in almost one-third of countries fewer than five per cent of adults aged 15 and above participate in education and learning programmes.

Disadvantaged groups, in particular, are often deprived of their right to education. Adults with disabilities, older adults, refugees and migrants, and minority groups are among those losing out, according to the report. 

The report found that In Asia, community learning centres (CLCs) have come to play an essential role in providing the rural population with appropriate Adult Learning and Education opportunities. Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam have all significantly increased the number of CLCs, which has dramatically increased the number of rural learners in literacy, life skills and various vocational programmes. 

Overall, the GRALE report warns major change in adult education participation is required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. 

The report calls for a sea change in approach, backed by adequate investment, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to access and benefit from adult learning and education and that its full contribution to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is realized. 

The findings of the global report are based on data submitted by 159 countries.

The UNESCO Global Report on Adult Learning and Education (GRALE) monitors whether UNESCO Member States are putting their international commitments on adult learning and education into practice.

These commitments are set out in the Belém Framework for Action (2009), the outcome document of the 6th International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA VI, Belém, Brazil), and the Recommendation on Adult Learning and Education (2015).

In addition to this monitoring function, each issue of GRALE examines a particular topic, the 2019 edition focusses on participation. GRALE is published every three years.

The Report combines survey data, policy analysis and case studies to provide policy-makers and practitioners with recommendations and examples of good practice.

It presents evidence on how adult learning and education helps countries address current challenges and contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mai Lan