Lifelong learning across cultures: ...

an examination of learning provision for a particularly disadvantaged group

by James Ogunleye published in International Journal of Intercultural Information Management Volume 2 Number 2 (2010)

Abstract
This paper examines adult learning in the context of the European Union lifelong learning policy agenda, an agenda that places an emphasis on promoting social inclusion and strengthening community cohesion and inclusive citizenship. The paper examines the policy context of lifelong learning at European level and the extent to which it feeds into policy framework at the national level. The paper also examines lifelong learning provision – programmes or courses – for adult learners with long-term mental illness, defined in this context as people who have been diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder and who are unemployed.

The work reported in this paper is based on the documentary/content analyses of the European Union’s policy papers including heads of states and governments/council of ministers’ communiques on lifelong learning and on the review of literature on lifelong learning courses and programmes across Europe – with specific reference to eight European countries where the EMILIA project has demonstration sites.

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