Even the best may be forgotten: Laval University’s Centre for Adult Education and Community Development, 1951–1964

Abstract

This article narrates the rise and fall of a notable adult education programme at Laval University in Quebec City, Canada. The Centre for Adult Education and Community Development was established in 1951, replacing the External Service for Social Education. In the 1950s, the Centre gained an international reputation for excellence in adult educational programming. The Centre developed a humanist philosophy and methodology of adult education and applied its humanist principles to intensive work with co-operatives, unions, adult educators, community leaders, broadcasters, young farmers, and Catholic social agencies. In 1964, Laval closed the Centre as the institution explicitly endeavoured to disengage from instructional programmes that were not considered to be at a ‘university level’. The Centre was not merely closed—it was erased from institutional history. This article provides a historical case study of an important francophone institution of adult education, and it provokes reflection regarding the alignment of adult educational philosophies, methods, and programmes, as well as sometimes painful questions about the life cycle of organisations and programmes. As practitioners, we sometimes are forced to accept that the work we cherish cannot continue; as scholars, we should do our best to ensure that such work is not forgotten.