Lifelong learning through the four major stages of people’s development
(Schuller and Watson 2009) embodies the need for integrated, connected-up
approaches to development. I will reference briefly three examples in action
of connected-up approaches to development from South Africa which are
examples of national, regional and institutional approaches to lifelong
learning. They are: the National Qualifications Framework, the Learning
Cape, and the University of Western Cape. I will start with highlighting the
social purposes of lifelong learning and the socio-economic and political
context, both of which frame the discussion.