cover of Learning Through LifeLearning Through Life on general election agenda

As part of the on-going CALL campaign, the Workers' Educational Association (WEA) and other organisations are working to put lifelong learning at the heart of next year's general election, by using the proposals of Learning Through Life.  In the run up to the elections, they are gearing up to make sure that adult education is firmly on the national political agenda through local constituency work across the country.

Learning Through Life - the final report of the two year independent Inquiry into the Future of Lifelong Learning - will be used as an opportunity to begin a dialogue around adult education with local Prospective Parliamentary Candidates. Students, members, volunteers, tutors and staff have all been invited to get involved and speak up on behalf of lifelong learning.

Professor Tom Schuller, Director of the Inquiry into the Future of Lifelong Learning, said:

"This is the first step in what I hope will be a really broad debate around the country. The significant thing is that lifelong learning should be seen as an item for mainstream politics. It touches so many areas of people's lives. I'm very grateful to the WEA for their enthusiasm in getting this debate rolling."

Professor Schuller took the proposals of Learning Through Life forward, at a discussion about the future of adult education with local Prospective Parliamentary Candidates, in Folkestone on Saturday 28 November 2009. Other speakers at The future of adult education: A discussion with your local PPCs included:

  • Damian Collins local Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate;
  • Donald Worsley local Labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate; and
  • Richard Bolsin WEA General Secretary.

A Speak Up for Lifelong Learning campaign pack has been produced by the WEA. The pack includes information on what happens in the run up to a general election, how to find out about Prospective Parliamentary Candidates, how to arrange a local meeting with Prospective Parliamentary Candidates and how to send a letter to candidates - alongside other supporting materials. A ready-made 'Pledge your support' postcard has also been produced - email campaigns@wea.org.uk to place an order.

Information is also available for MPs and parliamentary candidates