HOME OF INFORMAL EDUCATION FARWA www.infed.org Infed is “the home of informal education”. It aims to provide a space for people to explore the theory and practice of informal education. In particular, Infed wants to encourage educators to develop ways of working and being that foster associations, conversations and relationships. Dr Mark K. Smith who specializes in the field of informal education and lifelong learning is the editor of Infed. This web site which has been operative since 1996, creating the informal education homepage (www.infed.org), has been a major priority. Between 4000 and 7000 people visit the site each week. This site serves as reservoir of knowledge containing article archives by various authors, specialized features on informal education, search facilities and lastly a comprehensive encyclopedia of informal education. In order to navigate this informative site more conducive to the user’s needs we have created a list of some core features of Infed and a concise synopsis of these components: Introductory Guides This sector features articles, commentaries and links on what is informal education and the concepts underlying the subject. Additionally, it introduces the development of theory and practice of community development, community organization and community participation. Informal Education in Schools In recent years there has been a significant growth in the number of informal educators working in formal educational settings like schools and colleges. This section explores the phenomenon – and some of the possibilities and problems involved. Globalization and Education These sets of articles examine some key questions surrounding globalization – and its significance for educators. It contains four topical sections regarding globalization: The theory and experience of globalization, definitions of globalization, globalization and the incorporation of education, informal and non–formal education, development and colonialism. Young people and Connexions This feature examines youth strategy and the roles of personal advisers and learning mentors, as is the future for youth work. Though the connexion service is aimed at the English government’s youth strategy, we can read some interesting concepts such as social exclusion, joined–up thinking and individualization. Using Informal Education This section contains excerpts of the book, Using Informal Education, edited by Tony Jeffs and Mark Smith. Here we can read about a variety of helpful topics such as personality and curriculum, informal education with young women in the community, informal education in residential care with adults and neighborhood, crime and informal education etc. Developing Youth Work This piece spotlights the book written by Infed’s own editor Mark K. Smith. Not only does this book highlight informal education but also mutual aid and popular practice. It attempts to construct a coherent and distinctive understanding of youth work to the reader. Encyclopedia of Informal Education The encyclopedia has over 300 articles that explore key ideas, thinkers and practices within informal education and lifelong learning. The articles range from history of Maria Montessori to Karl Marx’s theories to the beginning times of education.