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 foster 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 their lives, whenever
they like, in accordance with their needs. We must also shape a society which
can properly evaluate the accomplishments of peoples' lifelong learning and study.
In order to promote lifelong learning activities, the Ministry
of Education, Science and Culture, based on the Law Concerning the Development
of Mechanisms and Measures for Promoting Lifelong Learning, has been developing
infrastructures for lifelong learning activities, including relevant structures
for their promotion. The Ministry has also been endeavoring to help school children
acquire basic and essential knowledge and skills, to help them autonomously develop
their learning abilities and to assist institutions of formal education in strengthening
their function in lifelong learning. The Ministry has also tried to promote social
education activities, as well as cultural and sports activities, all of which
play an important role in lifelong learning.