This book explains and demonstrates how indigenous communities – built on traditional knowledge, culture and language – can be extended and strengthened by (1) the new, integrated methodology of Lifelong Action Learning (LAL), and (2) new approaches to learning and development as exemplified by the system of GULL (Global University for Lifelong Learning). The GULL system harnesses the potential of people to bring about positive change together, characterized by self-reliance, financial independence, and cascading learning and benefits to others. It is a self-directed and self-sustainable process of learning and growth. The case studies in this book provide evidence that over time economically very poor communities can achieve transformations that bring with them many benefits personally, professionally and for the community. This book manages to accomplish an almost impossible goal—to be both deeply inspirational and highly practical all at the same time. Professor Mary Brydon-Miller, USA I was sold on this book from the foreword – the need to rethink how we think about and ‘do’ education is emerging as a ‘hot topic’ among academics. Professor Lesley Wood, South Africa All development practitioners and students should study this book carefully, as should aid bureaucrats and aid donors. Dr Chad Perry, Australia In this book Ortrun Zuber-Skerritt and Richard Teare invite us to re-think, re-evaluate and re-create our views of learning. Associate Professor Doris Santos, Colombia In this new book, the authors present challenging and original models for encouraging community and social development work. Drawing on a Lifelong Action Learning (LAL) approach, they challenge Western-dominated approaches to learning, encouraging the development of local solutions for local needs. Dr Pip Bruce Ferguson, New Zealand By bringing education to the people, rather than people to education, they create the possibility for real personal, organizational and community learning on-the-ground in developing countries. Dr Ron Passfield, Australia The genius of this book is its simplicity. It provides a sound approach to addressing the holes in our mainstream approaches to education, training, development and in living together in communities, through providing a new understanding of ‘lifelong action learning’ and how to achieve it through proactively cultivating and passing on local knowledge. Dr Frank Thompson, Africa. I believe this book has the potential to transform the century old teaching and learning paradigm that is failing many countries to one that is futures oriented and transformational in nature. This is a book that all educators need to read and to consider within their own learning context. Dr Margaret Fletcher, Australia This book will be useful to international community developers, educators and researchers - especially if they are looking for alternative ways of successfully improving living conditions for disadvantaged and subsistence communities. Associate Professor Wendy Rowe, Canada

Why is it that in the 21st century the place where a person is born still determines their life chance? This is Richard's 23rd book and in it, he charts his journey from university professor to honorary chief of a remote island tribe in Papua New Guinea. Along the way, he co-founded GULL and this book explains how lifelong action learning can be provided to those who are traditionally excluded - the low paid, the marginalized and the millions of people who are living in poverty.Dr Richard Teare is Co-founder and President, Global University for Lifelong Learning (GULL) - a non-profit network movement that works with other organizations to facilitate self-help in communities and the workplace. Author proceeds will be used to support GULL's work in African subsistence communities.

"This book is the second in a series entitled ‘Learning and Development for a Better World’ and it explores the potential for self-directed lifelong action learning (LAL) by focusing on the design of development pathways with and for young adults. The book considers the reasons why LAL pathways are needed and draws on innovative approaches used by the Global University for Lifelong Learning (including micro enterprise, peace-building, music, sport and the creative arts) with examples from nine countries. The aim is to offer a timely response to the pressing global problem of access to learning and development for marginalized young people during the vulnerable period from their mid-teens to mid-twenties. This book is an engaging and compelling text. I enjoyed the flow of ideas and the key messages of need and solution that it provides. The authors are articulate and convincing in their crafted messages – as well as passionate. Reading this book is time well spent and both enjoyable and instructional.Brendan Bartlett, Professor of Education, Institute of Learning Sciences Australia, Australian Catholic University This book will help both policy makers and those working with young people to change lives. In many areas of the world, young people, particularly women, lead impoverished lives. Developing approaches to lifelong action learning with these young adults will provide hope for the future. Emer Clarke, Formerly Area Director of the UK Learning and Skills Council The plight of millions of young people is clearly worsening as social and economic divisions increase and deepen. This book will serve those well who want to agitate for change and reform based on a belief in social justice and equality of access to learning and economic fairness for all young people.David Davies, Professor Emeritus and Former Executive Dean, University of Derby, UK This book is a valuable resource, an indispensable text and a must read for all working with young people. What captured my attention most was the way in which it illustrates how access to purposeful learning and development can be provided to marginalized young people. Eldrie Gouws, Professor, Department of Psychology of Education, University of South Africa This is a significant and far reaching response to the global problem of young adults’ unemployment and lack of educational opportunities, especially in disadvantaged, remote and poverty-stricken communities in developing as well as developed countries. It is of interest to a wide audience of readers, including youth, parents, educators, non-profit organizations, governments and churches.Ortrun Zuber-Skerritt, Co-author, ‘Lifelong Action Learning for Community Development: Learning and Development for a Better World’, Sense Publishers, 2013"div v>

This tribute to Ortrun Zuber-Skerritt is a celebratory Festschrift of her learning/research action-packed life. Colleagues around the world reflect on their own learning, research and professional development, with and through Ortrun, in action learning and action research (ALAR). Four Parts identify focus areas in Ortrun's work and interests over the last 40 years. Higher Education is the site for most of Ortrun's work experience since 1974 when she joined Griffith University in Australia. Organisations is a context where Ortrun has actively explored processes of learning, leadership and development in management education. Communities of Practice characterise Ortrun's work throughout her career, particularly through participatory action learning and action research (PALAR) in communities. Futures focusses Ortrun's recent writing advocating for PALAR as a flexible and effective methodology for responding to rapid change. Here we see why Ortrun is a quintessential international scholar. And an ALAR practitioner/advocate. Her world view, understandings of knowledge and personal qualities naturally orient her along this path of inclusive, purposeful action. This is why Ortrun is a vital energy in shaping the evolution of the 'Action' family of scholarship, now including PALAR and LAL (Lifelong Action Learning). No wonder her life and pioneering work are an adventure story - not just of learning and research, but also of passion and action. This tribute opens windows onto that story.

This tribute to Ortrun Zuber-Skerritt is a celebratory Festschrift of her learning/research action-packed life. Colleagues around the world reflect on their own learning, research and professional development, with and through Ortrun, in action learning and action research (ALAR). Four Parts identify focus areas in Ortrun’s work and interests over the last 40 years. Higher Education is the site for most of Ortrun’s work experience since 1974 when she joined Griffith University in Australia. Organisations is a context where Ortrun has actively explored processes of learning, leadership and development in management education.

This book aims to apply and expand upon the concept of the ‘Learning Conference’, which uses the paradigm and methodology of participatory action learning and action research (PALAR). It demonstrates how application of the Learning Conference concept can maximize learning opportunities and subsequently successful research outcomes through publication of conference papers, to help bring about sustainable professional, organizational and community development.