Poor literacy skills were a barrier to participation in politics and, as such, lifelong learning was not just an educational issue but a fundamental democratic one.

This was the opinion of Independent MEP Marian Harkin when she spoke on behalf of the ALDE Group in a debate on a report on Lifelong Learning in Strasbourg on Tuesday, September 24th.

Marian Harkin said:- “Eight competences are listed in the report, but I personally believe that the fifth competence, ‘learning to learn’, is one of the more important, because lifelong learning is a process.  It enables us not only to adapt to change but also to manage change, and I believe it helps us effect change.  In this context, it not only contributes to achieving the Lisbon objectives or to coping with globalisation, but also greatly enhances our quality of life.  Education is not just about knowledge and jobs; it is also about the development of the whole person.  Lifelong learning is an enabling process.  It often gives people a second chance or, indeed, a third chance, or simply another chance.

“As a former teacher of 20 years, I am fully aware that formal schooling is just one part of education and that lifelong learning should be a natural continuation of that process.  It is crucial that lifelong learning is accessible to all and that realistic, practical and accessible opportunities are available so that citizens may acquire basic skills or indeed enhance their existing skills.

“In this context, appropriate provision should be made to include, in particular, those with special needs, early school-leavers, people with a disability, the long-term unemployed and those with poor literacy or numeracy skills.  A recent survey in my own are of North Leitrim, West Cavan indicated low levels of literacy among single men in rural areas in particular.  This needs to be addressed as a matter of urgency, in particular because it is crucial to realise that poor literacy skills act as a barrier to political participation, I agree with a previous speaker that is not just an educational issue but a fundamental democratic one”, Marian Harkin said.