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This paper has found that Lifelong learning as a spectrum of formal, informal and non-formal learning, offers a framework to embrace different forms of learning people gain in various spaces across their lifespan. While several lifelong learning policies emphasise economic benefits, evidence shows that lifelong learning also facilitates active citizenship, tolerance to diversity, empathy, learning to live together, leadership, intergenerational learning, and awareness of social injustices.

This paper demonstrated the impact of ALE provisions that bring to centre stage the needs of adults – particularly women – in resource-poor contexts. These programmes recognise the ‘funds of knowledge’ and ‘banks of skills’ already existing in these communities – challenging the deficit discourse that is dominant particularly in development circles even today.

Based on these findings, this paper puts forward seven interrelated policy recommendations: (1) acknowledgement, within SDG 4.7 policies, that learning occurs in all life stages, forms and spaces; (2) prioritisation of lifelong learning and transformative approaches to education into local, national, regional and global level policies, including provisions of funding; (3) a focus on the transformative competencies and outcomes of lifelong learning; (4) positioning lifelong learning as a cross- cutting (rather than separate) approach to achieving the SDGs; (5) increased attention to recognising, validating and accrediting (RVA) non-formal and informal learning; (6) involving marginalised groups as stakeholders that can shape policy and not only recipients; (7) increased government support and financing to adult educators and literacy facilitators.