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Lifelong learning can take place in a variety of settings, both formal and non-formal. It is complementary to other forms of education, and continues even when formal education or training opportunities are available. As lifelong learning is comprehensive, this element has many aspects in common with other elements, particularly non-formal education. For the purposes of these guidelines, this element focuses on lifelong learning opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities that exist outside the regular school system.
Learn about how a programme in South Africa empowers adults to be independent and self-reliant.
ENABLE is a programme run jointly by a disabled people’s organization and non-governmental organization in a township near Durban, South Africa. Fundelwa is a teacher, also a person with a disability, who teaches literacy and numeracy to adults with disabilities. Her classroom is a reconditioned storage container that the youth of the township helped to renovate. The aim of ENABLE is to empower adults with disabilities to become independent and self-reliant. ENABLE classes teach disability rights and provide information and advice about obtaining grants and generating income. There is also an inclusive sewing project where people learn to measure, count and cost material and to make items to sell.
Adult learners come to the classes for many reasons:
As a person with a disability herself, Fundelwa finds that she is a role-model for the students who attend her classes. The ENABLE project is run on a participatory basis, reflecting the international slogan of the disability movement: “Nothing about us without us”. The programme is set up in a way that allows people with disabilities to be involved at all levels of decision-making and implementation.
