The paper reviews issues related to the definition, governance and administration, financing, delivery, and evaluat... Show more
The paper reviews issues related to the definition, governance and administration, financing, delivery, and evaluation of adult continuing education (ACE) in upper and middle income countries (MIC), for although there is growing recognition of the importance of ACE in developed countries, the impact of ACE in some MICs is not well understood, where its concept is not yet developed and the absence of leadership prevails. ACE should be viewed as interrelated policies and delivery systems that reflect client needs and components of ACE should include literacy, foundation and developmental education, civics education, and career and vocational education. While lower income countries remain focused on basic literacy education, many MICs are increasingly interested in broadening ACE to create an ‘expanded chance’ education. Nonetheless, the successful governance of ACE depends on key stakeholder involvement, addressing key issues, such as equity and access, and support for career progression for adults. Financing of ACE is usually carried by individuals and/or employers, but there is growing recognition on the need for public funds to support ACE programs, it being the governments’ role to create policy and regulatory framework, promote professional development in ACE, and carefully target participation in the financing and delivery of ACE to ensure its equity, access, and quality.
Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner.
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