Adult Learning Australia, the national peak body for adult community education (ACE), welcomes the recommendations from the Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training’s Inquiry report into adult literacy and its importance – Don’t take it as read.
The Committee made 15 recommendations to improve adult language, literacy, numeracy and digital (LLND) skills, including implementing a national LLND strategy, building the capacity of the LLND workforce and funding the ACE sector to deliver sustainable non-accredited LLND programs.
‘The role of ACE in building a bridge to further learning opportunities for adults with low literacy has been recognised by the Inquiry. This is a major step for adult and community education, and we were pleased to be part of the process,’ says Jenny Macaffer, CEO of Adult Learning Australia.
‘It is great to see the Inquiry highlighting the crucial role of ACE in reducing barriers to education and training, and in promoting a culture of lifelong learning’, says Jenny Macaffer, CEO. ‘What we now need is action by the federal government to implement the recommendations of the Inquiry’, said Ms Macaffer.
In launching the Inquiry report and recommendations, Committee Chair Mr Andrew Laming MP acknowledged that adults with low LLND skills are more likely to engage in a community education programs that build their skills and confidence. But he also identified that the sector was under-resourced and needed support to meet demand for adult LLND education.
The Inquiry also highlighted the need to build the capability of the sector to deliver sustainable non-accredited LLND programs and acknowledged ALA’s role in professional
development.
‘ACE can play a key role in helping adult Australians access the LLND skills they need for work and life,’ Jenny Macaffer, CEO says.
ALA congratulates the Committee and all contributors to the Inquiry for bringing literacy out into the open. Addressing literacy inequality will help ensure a fairer and more productive Australia.
ALA looks forward to the Australian Government’s response.