First global report on adult learning and education (GRALE)
Hangar Conference Center, Belém, 3pm
By Ana Abelenda
Policies, governance, participation, education quality and financing were the key issues proposed by the Global Report on Adult Learning and Education (GRALE) to CONFINTEA VI.
The report, elaborated on the basis of the contributions of 154 national documents, is the first global report on Youth and Adult Education (Y&AE) undertaken by UNESCO. It intends to be a benchmark to the Conference regarding the status of the global situation.
The report’s salient points, among others, include the disparity between North and South as well as the existing gaps and inequities among the diverse involved groups in the countries. In the years following CONFINTEA V, held in Hamburg in 1997, a displacement of the concept of education towards learning was noted.
The representatives of the regions summarized the recommendations per region in accordance with the preparatory conferences held in the period 2008- January 2009. All regions were in agreement on the following points:
1. YAE should be explicitly recognized as a human right
2. The State should have a fundamental role in financing and implementing YAE policies. Financing should also be gender-specific since two thirds of the world’s illiterates are women.
3. A clear monitoring and research system, with reliable indicators, should be established.
4. UNESCO should take on the role of monitoring the progress and fulfillment of the commitments assumed by governments on a permanent basis.
5. A distinct goal on the percentage of public budget allocated to education should be established. It should not be lower than 6% of the GNP.
6. The respect for diversity should be contemplated in didactic materials, learners’ training and public policies.
7. Women should have participation in all stages of YAE, including in the design of policies.
The global report, as well as the regional reports, can be downloaded here: http://www.unesco.org/en/confinteavi/grale/
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