The transformative power of adult education

Adult basic education transforms lives of pain and despair into lives of hope and pride. For people who are broken, defeated, and down on themselves, finishing a high school education can get them off social assistance and into work that pays a living wage. The benefits far outweigh the costs of adult basic education. It strengthens families and improves the lives of the children of adult learners, particularly those who are poor and marginalized, in ways that go beyond economics to the very core of human dignity by developing self-esteem and self-confidence where it scarcely existed. It produces broader societal benefits by reducing poverty and inequality. And it builds capacity, allowing people to engage in creating social change in their communities and in society. Despite these impressive and important benefits, adult basic education is largely unknown and seriously underfunded. It could and should be a central part of a radical re-imagining of education, in which adult basic education is on par with K-12 and post-secondary education.