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Commonwealth Secretariat press release

Commonwealth Secretary-General Supports Education Vision for the New Millennium

28 November 1997

The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku will be presented with an Education Vision for the next Millennium on Monday 1 December.

The Chief Executives of five of the largest, global, non-formal education organisations, who today actively involve over 100 million young people, have come together under the Chairmanship of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Chairman of the International Award Association, to share their vision of non-formal education for young people into the next century.

The World Alliance of Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), The World Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), The World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM), The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRCS), have together contributed to the education of more than a billion young people since the turn of the century. Today, with increasing pressure on young people to perform and achieve, formal, academic education is too often seen as the only essential part of education. There is a need to create greater understanding of the contribution that can be made by non-formal education in helping young people meet life's challenges.

At the dawn of the 21st century it is vital that we recognise the universal values of non-formal education for young people. Non-formal education helps to mould independent, caring, responsible and committed young men and women. The Commonwealth Secretary-General acknowledges these problems.

"I personally believe that with the mounting pressure on young people all over the world, it is now time for all those in education to take stock, and to look carefully at the very many important lessons that can be learned through non-formal education. Non-formal education helps young people to be responsible citizens - and responsible citizenship is itself key to an independent and caring world."

Note to Editors:
Photocall & Press Conference: Monday 1 December 12 pm, Commonwealth Secretariat, Marlborough House, Pall Mall.

For further information:
Contact: Pam Healy, Michael Dewar Associates. Tel: 0207 793 4188

Issued by the Information and Public Affairs Division,
Commonwealth Secretariat,
Marlborough House,
Pall Mall,
London SW1Y 5HX,
Britain.
Tel: 0207-839 3411;
Fax: 0207-839 9081;
Telex: 27678

97/60 28 November 1997
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ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIVISION
Commonwealth Secretariat Marlborough House Pall Mall London SW1Y 5HX United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)20 7747 6385/6 Fax: +44 (0)20 7839 9081
Email: info@commonwealth.int