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Third Asia Regional Literacy Forum INNOVATION AND PROFESSIONALIZATION IN ADULT LITERACY: Literacy and adult education for rural and social development Beijing, China, October 18-22, 1999 Regional Forum Overview: As the countries of Asia prepare to enter the 21st century and face the new challenges of globalization and market economies, the importance of literacy for all has become self-evident. The breakdown of traditional support networks caused by mobility and urbanization combined with the increased needs for collaboration add new and growing demands on literacy skills among the peoples in the region. Literacy needs now to be seen not only in terms of the number of illiterates, but also in terms of the learning competencies of those who may have had some schooling, but who must learn to cope with changing demands in the workplace and in society. This is especially important in rural parts of Asia, where illiteracy and low literacy remain very serious problems, and where social and economic development are significantly linked to these concerns. The Forum participants will review such issues within the rich and complex diversity of Asian societies today. A major goal will be to discuss how literacy and nonformal basic education can help to respond effectively to the region's new development needs. A focus on rural and social development will provide participants with new insights on longstanding challenges in literacy, education, and development. Convenors and Secretariat: The Forum is convened jointly by the International Literacy Institute (ILI), the China UNESCO National Commission/Department of Education of the Government of China, and UNESCO. The joint Secretariat for the Third Asia Regional Literacy Forum consists of the ILI and China UNESCO National Commission/Department of Education of the Government of China. The ILI is supported jointly by UNESCO and the University of Pennsylvania/Graduate School of Education. Sponsors: The Forum will be co-sponsored by the ILI, China UNESCO National Commission/Department of Education of the Government of China, UNESCO, UNICEF, Norway, World Bank, DFID (UK), British Council, National Literacy Mission of India, SEAMEO-INNOTECH, Beijing Normal University, Hong Kong University and other institutions and agencies to be named. Focus and Topics: The Forum will provide an opportunity for discussion among policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to consider how to improve literacy and adult education for rural and social development. Specific topics will include: planning and policy development in rural and urban settings, professional development, curriculum development, language diversity and planning, gender, evaluation and assessment, workplace training, health and agricultural extension education, distance education, and technology innovations. Special attention will be given to the new problems associated with low literacy (and not just illiteracy) in Asian countries. Keynote speakers will include leading thinkers and practitioners in literacy work from national, regional, and international institutions. Discussion will take place concerning the reinforcement of regional networks for improving the quality of adult education and literacy in China and participating Asian countries. Participation/Cost/Site: The Third Regional Forum will be held in Beijing, China. Participation will be limited to about 300 persons. You are invited to indicate your interest and/or nominate persons to attend, as well as to suggest papers or topics to the Secretariat. The Forum will have two working languages (English and Chinese). A Forum participation fee covers all materials, and various food and cultural events. This fee is typically paid by participantsŐ sponsoring agencies, however any qualified applicant without agency support will be considered for a fee reduction, when petitioned from the Secretariat. The Forum registration fee for participants from outside of China is US$150/person; Chinese participants should contact the Forum Secretariat in Beijing for registration information. Information about hotel accommodations and rates will be provided at a later date and upon request. For all other inquiries, please contact the Forum Secretariat in Philadelphia. Secretariat addresses: Dr. Daniel A.Wagner/Dr. Mohamed Maamouri
Mr. Yu Fuzeng, Secretary-General |
