A study on Hong Kong's experience in promoting non-formal and quasi-formal education programmes for adults

Abstract

This six-chapter report describes Hong Kong's experience in promoting nonformal and quasi-formal education programs aimed at enabling adults, especially those with limited formal educational experience, to engage actively in social activities and cope with the change of employment conditions in the city during its post-World War II growth from 600,000 to 5,000,000 people. Following a brief introductory chapter, chapter 2 provides background on Hong Kong, including its political history, population, and economic development. Chapter 3 describes the clientele of adult education in Hong Kong, discussing government policy, what the formal school system provides, and educational opportunities for adults. Chapter 4 lists the types of general education courses for adults in Hong Kong, describes formal education courses, nonformal education, the subvention scheme (job training run by nonprofit organizations), and provides statistics on adult education courses and activities. In chapter 5, technical education and vocational training for adults is described. Information provided covers historical development, the Vocational Training Council, industry training centers, technical institutes, and employer attitudes toward technical institute graduates. The final chapter discusses further strategies for the organization of education programs for the further development and upgrading of adult workers in the context of the changing social and political environment of the city. (KC)