Page 7 - Mainstreamer Volume 1, Issue 4, November 2023

NEED FOR INCLUSIVITY

community benefits from the above development, In other words, lifelong learning always
especially in the context of lifelong learning. concentrates on developing literacy, numeracy,
The focus of this paper is to discuss how the a knowledge-based society and necessary skills.
public, NGOs and the government should promote The Commission of European Communities (2000)
the significance of lifelong learning for the stated that lifelong learning can benefit the quality
visually impaired. Hopefully, this discussion can of life and encourage the individual’s involvement
eventually create awareness for the government, in society. In this context, lifelong learning can
private corporations and NGOs to design a mean studying, practising or reading about a
holistic model of lifelong learning for the special subject. It can also indicate being taught, instructed
needs community. Consequently, the special or coached. It enables people, especially those
needs community will be able to enjoy and live with special needs, to develop skills, knowledge,
as effective and fully participating members of abilities and understanding of certain subjects.
an inclusive society through lifelong learning. It can also be formalised by calling it education
“Learning does not stop at the age of children or training. Lifelong learning can be scheduled
and teenagers; it should accompany a person regularly (each day or perhaps each month) or can
throughout their whole life.” This approach would be learned for a short period. It can be full-time or
help satisfy and meet the needs of individuals part-time, done at home, at work, in another place
and the blind and visually impaired society, like a college, or through NGOs.
continuously progressing and learning. The author is a lecturer, who loves listening to music,
Lifelong learning has a broad definition. It traveling, writing, and being up to date on current issues.
is seen as essential in creating a democracy of
education for all members of society. It enables
society to grow progressively and encourages
personal development within a social context.
The Commission of the European Communities
(2000) described lifelong learning as all learning
activities undertaken throughout life to improve
knowledge, skills and competence within a
personal, civic, social and employment-related
perspective. Therefore, lifelong learning is about:
1. Acquiring and updating all kinds of abilities,
interests, knowledge and qualifications from
the preschool years to post-retirement. It
promotes the development of knowledge
and competencies that will enable each
citizen to adapt to the knowledge-based
society and actively participate in all spheres
of social and economic life, taking more
control of their future.
2. Valuing all forms of learning, including formal
learning, such as a university degree course;
non-formal learning, such as vocational skills
acquired at the workplace; and informal
learning, such as inter-generational learning,
where parents learn to use information and
communications technology (ICT) through
their children or learn something new
together with friends.

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