In July 2018 experts in lifelong learning met at the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning to discuss the development of a handbook on lifelong learning policy development and implementation.

It will be a practice-oriented handbook that will provide guidance for policymakers and stakeholders who are in the process of developing and implementing policies for lifelong learning.

It will focus on governance, policy issues, strategic approaches to practical implementation, financial support and monitoring.

On July 19 the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres told the eight-day High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development that mobilising the transformative power of the world’s young people is an important pathway to achieving sustainable development.

In September the UN will launch a strategy to support and engage young people.

“Education”, said Guterres,“ is essential – as a critical tool for empowerment, for advancing gender equality and decent work for all, and for changing the way we produce, consume and live.”

The launch

This year the Festival of Adult Learning Ahurei Ākonga (formerly Adult Learners’ Week He Tangata Mātauranga) was launched on Saturday, September 1 at Rutherford College, West Auckland. The launch marked the beginning of a week of events across the country.

People First New Zealand Ngā Tāngata Tuatahi is a self-advocacy organisation that is led and directed by people with learning (intellectual) disability. It is part of an international movement speaking up for the rights and inclusion of all people with learning disability. People First also has a contract with the Ministry of Health to provide a disability information and advisory service specialising in information for people with learning disability.

Over the last four years a Lower Hutt organisation, YOUth Inspire, has supported over 400 young people into employment and over 200 into training or voluntary work.

And they’ve told their funders, the Todd Foundation, Ministry of Social Development and Hutt City Council, that their return on investment is $12.00 for every dollar spent.