For the first time in Canada, International Adult Learners' Week, September 8 to 14, 2002, will be marked by governments (federal, provincial and territorial) and non-governmental organizations, in partnership with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO. By doing so, Canada is joining an internatio- nal movement of more than 30 countries in celebrating UNESCO's International Adult Learners' Week.

A common message

International Adult learners' Week represents Canada's first step in a concerted effort to raise the profile and promote adult learning throughout life among the general public and various learning environments. It will provide an opportunity to:

• Give a voice to adult learners and highlight the importance of learning by recognizing its potential for fostering change and development in all spheres of personal, professional, political, economic, social and cultural life;
  
  
• Reach out to potential learners and underprivileged groups everywhere;
  
  
• Increase the number of adults engaged in learning activities and encourage adults to express their learning needs;
  
  
• Promote cooperation among governments, non-governmental and private sector partners serving the adult population.

A year-long movement

International Adult Learners' Week marks the kick-off to a year-long campaign. In adopting a decentralized structure for the event, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO and its government and non-governmental partners hope to encourage organizations at all levels to promote adult learning throughout life in conjunction with their activities at different times during the year.

Momentum is starting to build

International Adult Learners' Week in Canada is the keystone of a dual campaign to mobilize a broad network of organizations and to promote adult learning. The promotional campaign is targeted at both the media and the general public. Its objectives are to expand and encourage adult education, promote the joy of learning and awaken interest in pursuing learning activities. The mobilization campaign will rely on networking to reach adults and encourage them to participate in learning activities, wherever possible in their personal, professional, political, economic, cultural and social life.