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The NFWI has been working on adult education since 1922 when a resolution was passed which called on the Government to recognise the great need for the continuance and development of adult education in rural districts and the role that could be played by the voluntary sector.

The current NFWI education campaign focuses on fairer funding, choice and opportunities for adult education courses especially for women to maintain the self confidence and social equity these help provide.

WI members are deeply concerned that over the last two years cuts in funding have resulted in a 45% fall in the number of learners over 25.  It is of particular concern to members that between 2004/5 and 2006/7 there were 55% fewer people over 60 in colleges.  These figures highlight a severe erosion of opportunities for adult learners wishing to participate in publicly funded adult education courses.

These cuts are a direct result of the Government’s skills strategy.  Prospects for adults wanting to study anything in further education outside the Government’s set programmes -Foundation Learning Tier, Skills for Life and Train to Gain - are looking bleak for the future as outlined in government budgets set for 2008.

Cuts will have a devastating effect on the choice of courses available to adults with courses such as languages, keep fit, ICT and courses that rebuild confidence being expensive and difficult to access.

The NFWI is currently actively contributing to the debate on the future policy for adult education in the following ways:-

• In consultation with its members the NFWI is responding to the Government Consultation Paper, Informal Adult Learning – Shaping the Way Ahead.
• Providing evidence on its education and training provision for the Commission of Inquiry for the Future of Lifelong Learning. The Commission was launched in September 2007 and will report in March 2009. It is an independent Commission of Inquiry sponsored by NIACE. Evidence has been submitted from the NFWI on the effect of lifelong learning on well-being and happiness and evidence is currently being prepared on the theme of technological change and its consequences for provision of and access to learning.
• The NFWI is working closely with The Worker’s Education Association (WEA) and The National Institute for Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) and responding to government on informal adult learning and adult education.
  

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