Our vision through that of Community Based Learning is of a dynamic, inclusive, and a participative learning society. This vision is based on the firm conviction that a democratic and socially just society should enable all of its citizens, in particular those who are socially excluded, to develop their potential to the full and to have the capacity, individually and collectively, to meet the challenge of change.

The capacity of individuals and groups of all ages to

participate in developing their own learning is crucial to improving their quality of life. Through learning, people can make a real contribution to their own communities and participate in local and national democratic processes. They can also build the confidence and capacity to tackle wider social and economic issues, such as health and community safety. Skills can be acquired at many levels which are applicable in any walk of life. Sometimes these are essential skills, such as literacy or basic life management, which those who have benefited most from the formal education system take for granted. Without them, social exclusion is much more likely. Conversely, through them, communities can work towards meeting a wide range of social, economic, health as well as educational needs.

Community education, therefore, is a key contributor to lifelong learning and plays a significant part in combating social exclusion. Through its commitment to learning as an agent for change, it supports people in improving their personal, community, social and economic well-being. At its core therefore, community education is more a way of working than a sector of education. Its unique contribution is to create learning opportunities within and for communities. Indeed, for both individuals and communities, the results of community education can be tangible and lasting. That is what makes it a subject of critical national importance.