PART Recent Trends and Developments in Government Policies in Education, Science and Culture
Chapter 6. Promotion of "Social Education"
4 Provision of Diverse Learning Opportunities
(1) Learning Activities of Adults
Along with the improvement in income level, an increase in leisure
hours, the progress of science and technology, and other changes in the living
environment of people, learning activities of adult citizens have become more
flourishing. To cope with these trends, local boards of education have been striving
to enrich their adult classes and lecture courses. Activities of "cultural centers" organized
by prefectural 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. Accordingly, it will be necessary
to give full consideration to prevent geographical imbalances in the availability
of educational opportunities. The Ministry is encouraging the utilization of
adult correspondence education programs which provide adults with opportunities
for individual learning. The Ministry is also promoting adult education programs
for the elimination of social discrimination based on the principle of respect
for basic human rights.