Lifelong learning, professional development and community work

Abstract

Informal learning is an important part of a process of development for the individual, their community and the wider society and can play a crucial role in starting people on a learning ‘pathway’. Community action can provide a setting where informal education can take place, and community workers can facilitate learning for the groups and individuals with whom they work. The training and education of community and youth workers can complement this process. The Community Work Unit of the Centre for Continuing Education based in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Manchester offers a range of programmes for experienced and active community and youth workers and activists. The participative learning methods used on the Community Work Unit’s programmes encourage participants to articulate and value their experience and reflect upon it in order to establish a meaningful basis for further self, professional and community development.