Non-formal education: is it relevant or obsolete?

Introduction The importance of non-formal education in the Pacific Region cannot be overemphasized. This presentation argues that it is very relevant and contributes significantly to national developments and in its flexible approaches, seen as a means of addressing some of the pertinent global issues facing the nations in the Pacific Islands. As global issues affect the people culturally, socially, economically and politically, the role of non-formal education becomes very critical in how these issues are addressed. The role of non-formal approaches to adult learning, gender equality, health, sustainable environment and peace and conflict resolution are being widely advocated by both government and non-government organizations in the Pacific Island nations. Broadly conceived, non-formal education is not a new concept but an educative process that has been in existence in pre-literate societies. Increasing evidence exists to substantiate the claim that non-formal education is an old concept with a new name. In the Pacific Island nations non-formal education is integrated in the life style of the people. This article first examines non-formal education in the traditional context, and then discusses the reasons for NFE in the region, its conceptualization, and its contribution to the needs in the Pacific Region.