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CHAPTER . EXPANSION OF EDUCATIONALOPPORTUNITIES

In other major countries, adult education designed to give programs of general culture, vocational education, recreation, and sports to adults at large is provided by various institutions such as schools, labor unions, industrial organizations, and voluntary organizations. It is common for universities and other higher educational institutions to exercise leadership in the development and operation of adult education programs. In the U.S.A., many adult education classes are given at public high schools. This helps provide a variety of educational opportunities ranging from general culture to part-time continuing education aimed at supplementing vocational education or compulsory education. Many universities offer courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels in the evening so that employed people may attend a university and study whenever they wish without quitting work. In recent years, so-called two-year open door junior colleges have been increasing in number throughout the country. They are playing an increasingly important role in adult educational activities in each community.

In England and Wales, activities in vocational education are well known. Among other things, there are further education on "the sandwich system" in educational institutions established and maintained by local education authorities; university extra-mural programs whose main aim is to offer a general education; and educational activities conducted by voluntary organizations such as Workers' Educational Association (WEA). There is currently a movement to integrate the various types of existing further educational institutions into approximately 30comprehensive centers to be called "polytechnics". These are expected to serve as educational centers for adults and working youth in the areas in which they are to be located. In France, adult education is being provided mainly through the evening classes of the National Industrial and Technical Institute and through the correspondence education and schooling of the National Correspondence Education Center both of which offer the educational opportunities needed to upgrade the occupational qualifications of workers. Recently, a national assistance plan for expanding and improving the in-service education of workers was developed, and in 1968 the CUEEP was set up at Lillie University. Various experiments have been started on vocational and technical education for workers, to which increasing attention is being paid.

In West Germany, adult education lectures at universities have been providing workers with education, especially for general culture. In recent years, programs to prepare workers for obtaining various vocational and technical qualifications have also been offered. University extension programs are also being introduced.

In the U.S.S.R., adult education is conducted by universities and secondary technical schools in the evening or on a correspondence basis. In recent years, "Culture Universities", aimed at elevating the general culture of the community have been increasing. This system of education is given for one to two years (one to two days a week) by utilizing schools and cultural facilities.