Lifelong learning in a learning society: are community learning centres the vehicle?

This book chapter was published in Education, Learning, Training: Critical Issues for Development [ © 2014 Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies ] and the definite version is available at: http://doi.org/10.1163/9789004281158_007. The book website is at: http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/books/b9789004281158_007This chapter provides a historical perspective on the evolving concepts of lifelong learning and the learning society and makes the case for the community learning centre as a potential institutional vehicle for the promotion of adult and lifelong learning. It highlights the pertinence of lifelong learning/learning society in the post-2015 Development Agenda discourse. Arguments in favour of the community learning centre as a vehicle for lifelong learning/learning society are illustrated using the example of Bangladesh and drawing on parallels and contrasts with China and India. Finally, lessons derived from a recent review of the Asia-Pacific region are evaluated with respect to the development of strategic actions intended to offer adult and lifelong learning within and through community learning centres.Publishe