Adult learning in the Asia Pacific region: it’s time to walk the walk

This article begins by suggesting that adult learning programs in the Asia Pacific region do not receive the funding or expertise that they need from governments. It goes on to outline the economic and social challenges being faced by the region’s population and the reasons why adult learning requires more funding and expert human resources. It is argued that adult education with adult literacy at its core can enable people and communities to deal with these challenges. Key concerns associated with adult literacy and learning are discussed. They include: access to education; the fragmentation of the education sector; poor quality provision; funding; relevance of education; cost effectiveness; recognition of the scope and potential of adult education; government accountability; the role of the community; information and communication technology (ICT) and adult learning; poor quality information about adult education; and the role of civil society organisations (CSOs).