PROMOTING EQUITY AND ACCESS IN ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY: JAMAICA

Back to Page Authors: Roxanne Cecelie Bloomfield

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Keywords: equity, adult-learning, higher education, access, curriculum

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Abstract: Access to and promotion of adult education has increased over the last decade. However, equity and access to education are still not possible for many of our adult learners. Social immobility and inequalities in income and wealth distribution have created barriers for adults or high school leavers to access quality education. This leads to a real disadvantage in terms of employment opportunities and life chances. This paper aims to highlight best practices that will reduce and mitigate these barriers that prevent equity and access to higher education for adults. This study explores various avenues of improving equity and access in three domains: design of the education system and curriculum, access to funding and resources, recognition of informal work experience in a more systematic and streamlined way. It is hoped that this research will sow the seeds of change, so we can see a fair and inclusive system that makes the advantages of education available to all.

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