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Collection of Lifelong Learning Policies and Strategies

The Collection of Lifelong Learning Policies and Strategies lists abstracts and full-text links to laws, policies, strategies and plans on lifelong learning from UNESCO Member States and intergovernmental organizations.

The principle of lifelong learning is rooted in the integration of learning and living. It encompasses learning for people of all ages (children, young people, adults and older adults, girls and boys, women and men) at different educational levels (preschool, primary and secondary school, vocational training, higher and continuing education), in all life contexts (family, school, community, in the workplace), and through a variety of modalities (formal, non-formal and informal) that, together, meet a wide range of learning needs and demands. The concept of lifelong learning has, over the years, become a global norm in the field of educational policy-making. Education policies that follow the principle of lifelong learning adopt a holistic, sector-wide approach that involves all sub-sectors and levels. This helps to ensure that all individuals are provided with learning opportunities.

This collection offers a comprehensive overview of the development of lifelong learning policies around the world. Almost all of the documents have been developed at national level and are available in English, with laws, policies, strategies and plans presented in a short abstract. The abstract is usually structured as follows:

  • A ‘rationale’ outlines the need for lifelong learning in the country and the overall vision of the document.
  • The ‘concept of lifelong learning’ used in the respective country’s policies is described.
  • The ‘main challenges’ to be addressed and the ‘main targets and measures’ to be achieved are detailed.
  • A ‘particular feature’ of each document is outlined.
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