Competency-Based Education, Lifelong Learning and Adult Students: Insights from International Partnerships between East Africa, Southern Africa and USA-Based Institutions of Higher Education

Abstract

How can lessons learned in alternative degree programs for adult learners in the USA support education efforts being developed for adult learners in Africa? Can aspects of a Western educational model be ―Africanized‖ in order to optimize the relevance of the educational enterprise as well as to adequately prepare learners to address critical issues that are facing the African continent? How can lifelong learning be incorporated as a meaningful component of competency-based education in Africa? The authors examine concepts of competence and competency, competency-based education and lifelong learning for adult learners, both generally and specifically, and consider them in the context of education on the African continent. They share reflections of their participation in two international partnerships between public and private higher education institutions in the USA, South Africa and East Africa in developing and implementing competencybased programs for adult learners at the postsecondary level. Issues related to faculty, curriculum development and access to higher education are raised. The importance of recognizing the influence of African cultural values in the lives of the adult learners with whom we work in order to support adult learners‘ optimal success in competency-based education programs in Africa is also discussed.