PART Recent Trends and Developments in Government Policies in Education, Science and Culture
Chapter 5 Promotion of "Social Education"
4 Provision of Diverse Learning Opportunities
(l) Learning Activities of Adults
Along with the improvement of the level of income, an increase
in leisure hours, the progress of science and technology and other changes in
the living environment of people, the learning activities of adult citizens have
become more flourishing. To cope with this trend, local boards of education have
been striving to enrich their adult classes and lecture courses, and the activities
of "cultural centers" organized by prefecture and municipal governments and by
the private sector have become more vigorous. In the future, relevant mechanisms
should be developed for ensuring the overall coordination and cooperation among
all programs related to adult education, including those in the private sector.
In this connection, it will be necessary to give full consideration to prevent
geographical imbalances in the availability of educational opportunities. The
Ministry is encouraging the use of adult correspondence education programs, which
provide adults with opportunities for individual learning. It is also promoting
adult education programs for the elimination of social discrimination based on
the principle of respect for basic human rights.