Chapter Global Partnership Building through Adult Education: The African Experiment

Abstract

Against the background of colonial and missionary interventions, Africa’s adult education, influenced by home, work, and religious traditions, soon changed in character and content, frame and forms. Since 1945, global partnerships have shaped its agenda with international organisations, foreign and local universities, and external funding, determining its themes and trajectories. Functional, and ICT-oriented literacies, health, poverty alleviation, community development, youth issues, climate, migration, gender, and school access became areas of intervention. In response, Africa’s problems have served as sounding horns to resolving issues of poverty and want globally. Africa’s pursuit of partnership is a fitting tribute to Professor Lalage Bown, whose passion for promoting it has been legendary.