The Education Continuum - A Neglected University Responsibility.

Overview & Synopsis

With the acceptance of the concept of life-long integrated education, education is seen as a global system which not only prepares people for life, but which is an integral part of life itself. Before the introduction of Western systems of education, Asian education was related to one's position in society. However, Asian countries now show their belief that education is one of the most important keys to development by devoting high proportions of national budgets to it. The current difficulties of formal education include: (1) education-employment antinomy, (2) education-manpower inbalance, (3) education and its anti-rural bias, (4) the closed system of education, and (5) the cost of education. To solve these problems, entire school systems will have to change. This process can be accelerated by fuller university involvement in adult education. Asian universities have a solid base to build a program of continuing education. Thousands of adult students are being served by extension courses. Up to now, the role of the universities has remained limited in the field of continuing education. This condition results from unchanging attitudes from within and lack of financial support from without. There is, in addition, a need for smooth working machinery; organizational patterns must be worked out on a country by country basis. UNESCO will extend aid to those governments engaged in adult education programs. (CK)