PART Recent Trends and Developments in Government Policies in Education, Science and Culture
Chapter 2. Promotion of Lifelong Learning
1 Outline of Policies
If our nation is to build up a society which is rich and dynamic
enough to face the challenges of the 21st century, people must be provided with
opportunities for participating in learning throughout life at any time they
like, in accordance with their needs. We must also shape a society where the
achievements of people's lifelong learning can be adequately evaluated.
In order to promote lifelong learning activities, the Ministry
of Education. Science and Culture has established a Law Concerning the Development
of Mechanisms and Measures for Promoting Lifelong Learning, and has been developing
infrastructures for lifelong learning activities, including relevant mechanisms
for their promotion. The Ministry has also been endeavoring to help school children
acquire basic and essential knowledge and skills and develop their abilities
to learn how to learn, and to help institutions of formal education strengthen
their functions as institutions of lifelong learning. The Ministry has also tried
to promote nonformal education activities, as well as cultural and sports activities,
all of which play an important role in lifelong learning.