2.3. Preparing LLL policy for implementation

Submitted by uil_maintainer on Thu, 11/03/2022 - 10:47

This chapter has defined and examined LLL policy and the LLL policy-making process. By exploring key factors for effective LLL policy, it established the importance of aligning LLL with national and local contexts, creating a comprehensive vision for LLL, establishing governance arrangements and stakeholder involvement, making LLL policy financially viable, and gathering data for evidence-based policy-making. These factors provide a basis for the development of LLL policy. Chapter 3 will now explore implementation, revealing the heterogeneity of LLL initiatives and how this diversity can be reflected in policy.

In your context: Designing effective LLL policies

Chapter 2 explored LLL policy and the policy-making process, revealing key factors for effective policy development. It has shown that policy is made more effective by adopting a LLL perspective, whether it assumes the form of a comprehensive LLL policy or strategy, or sectoral policies developed from a LLL perspective. You are now encouraged to make connections between the guidance featured here and the reality of policy-making in your national context.

Key points:

  • LLL policy denotes an amalgamation of documents and processes that explicitly contribute to the promotion of LLL across the country, including legislation, policies, strategies and action plans.
  • LLL policy can be developed in different forms: by integrating a LLL perspective into sectoral policies, or by developing a distinct, comprehensive LLL policy that cuts across different sectors.
  • Sectoral policies developed from a LLL perspective are typically under the responsibility of a particular ministry (e.g. education, labour, social affairs) but may extend beyond that sector.
  • LLL policy also includes the development of a comprehensive LLL policy document or strategy which typically cuts across different (sub-) sectors. It may be the joint responsibility of several departments or ministries, or under the direct responsibility of the head of government (president, prime minister or equivalent).
  • Effective LLL policy is characterized by several factors: it is aligned with national and local contexts; features a comprehensive vision for LLL; is financially viable; and reflects the governance arrangements that have been established, evidence that can be used as a basis for M&E, and the consultations that have been initiated in the name of participatory LLL policy-making.

Questions for reflection:

  • Does your country have a national LLL policy?
  • Does your country have mechanisms in place to monitor and evaluate education and learning in formal and non-formal contexts?
  • Is LLL embedded in specific policies of importance to your sector?
  • To what extent do existing national policies reflect the factors detailed in this chapter?

Possible actions:

We recommend that you undertake a short, practical exercise to apply the information provided in this section of the chapter. The exercise involves a quick analysis of a single policy document to determine the presence of an LLL perspective. To do this, first find out whether your country, region or local government has a national LLL policy and acquire a copy. Alternatively, find a recent flagship policy for your sector or sub-sector that could be considered as a LLL initiative. Go through the document and evaluate critically whether it:

  • is aligned with national and local contexts;
  • features a comprehensive vision for LLL;
  • establishes governance arrangements;
  • is financially viable;
  • uses evidence that form the basis for M&E.