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Caribbean Journal of Education

Education For All? Examining Informal Adult Learning, The Men’s Sheds Revolution, and Their Role in Older Males’ Participation in Learning

Pages: 
23-45
Publication Date: 
November 2019
Issue: 
Abstract: 

Education for All is a global pledge to ensure that quality basic education (either formal or informal) is provided for all, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. This paper addresses some issues about adult learning initiatives and gender and ageism through the eyes of older adult males. The paper also examines Men’s Sheds (one informal learning site) in order to highlight their possible benefits and potential to foster greater involvement of older adult males in adult learning opportunities. Firstly, a discussion about situating adult education and learning is presented in which a brief definition of adult education is given. Attention is also paid to informal learning in order to elucidate its implication for adult education and learning. Secondly, an overview is given about Men’s Sheds and its appeal and benefits to older adult males. Thirdly, a discussion ensues about overcoming barriers and encouraging participation of older men. Finally, a synthesis of the arguments is presented in the form of concluding remarks which reiterate the possibility that Men’s Sheds can serve as a potential catalyst for promoting informal adult education and learning in older adults. It is suggested that Men’s Sheds can be explored in the Caribbean context, as they can create an avenue to facilitate active ageing among older men in the Caribbean.

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