NWCI response to the Green Paper on Adult Education in an Era of Lifelong Learning
Summary
The National Women's Council of Ireland welcomes the publication of the Green Paper on Adult Education in an Era of Lifelong Learning and the opportunity to participate in the debate. This is the first time that adult education and community education has received this level of recognition. As such, it marks a new beginning for the adult and community education sectors which, whatever its achievements, has been poorly resourced and respected heretofore.
One of the most pleasing aspects of the Green Paper is the way in which it acknowledges the contribution and excellence of aspects of the current adult education and community education provision, particularly the contribution made by women in the community and voluntary sector. Women and women's groups have had a long pioneering affiliation with the development of these areas of education provision. Through this Green Paper and its further development, the ’inferior status' of adult education and community education may finally be remedied.