Literacy in the Community Learning Context

Relationships exist between lifelong learning and community-based literacy programs, and Canada appears to have the kind of civic culture that takes literacy learning seriously, enjoying a strong civic or community context for literacy learning. Community literacy in Canada promotes the values and ideas of lifelong learning, legitimizing non-formal (and informal) learning and education for everyone, regardless of age, economic status, social status, gender, ethnic or national identity. New ways of learning are promoted by promoting citizenship values, by focusing learning on the learner, by breaking down traditional learning dichotomies, and by working effectively with new technologies. Literacy programs are in the process of developing to meet their learning and teaching objectives by helping instructors learn how to deal with low self-esteem, trauma and abuse, the embarrassment of older learners, and reaching young adults. They are also learning to work more effectively with volunteers. The thinking around lifelong learning includes a clear focus on economic strategy and policy, with these practices being redesigned as needed to support lifelong learning as part of the culture in Canada. (KC)