• Lifelong learning has become a critical approach to future success.

• When pursued, lifelong learning enhances the quality and satisfaction of our lives.

• It affects us on our emotional, social and physical levels.

It is more important than ever for our young people to practice lifelong learning.

The world is changing dramatically.

Lifelong learning enhances the ability to cope with changes including job market demands.

WHAT IS LIFELONG LEARNING?

Lifelong learning is the “ongoing, voluntary and self-motivated” pursuit of knowledge for either personal or professional reasons.

It is about creating and maintaining a positive attitude to learning.

WHY IS LIFELONG LEARNING IMPORTANT?

When we learn new skills and gain knowledge it:

• enhances our understanding of the world;

• challenges our beliefs;

• makes us more adaptable to change;

• boosts our self-confidence and self-esteem;

• provides us with more and better opportunities;

• can be fun; and,

• helps us achieve a better quality and more satisfying life.

SOME LEARNING SOURCES:

The sources for learning are limitless.

Here are some examples:

• Daily contacts with children, at work, and in the community;

• Visiting museums, parks, and exploring nature, etc.

• Becoming inquisitive and asking questions all the time;

• Internet searches;

• Literature and books;

• Online classes and videos;

• Internships and apprenticeships;

• Certification and training programs;

• Community Colleges and Universities.

SOME TIPS FOR LEARNING:

• Have an open attitude to opportunities and possibilities around you.

• Increase awareness about what is of interest to you.

• Start small and build up from there.

• Don’t be afraid of failure.

• Model after others and find mentors.

• Read more on developing lifelong learning.

• Listen to TEDtalks including those on lifelong learning.

• Ask more questions and speak less.

Lifelong learning doesn’t just affect us not only on an economic level. It affects us on a social, emotional, and physical level as well.

We live in an age of outstanding opportunity for learning and development.

Developing our curiosity can be one of life’s most rewarding pursuits.