ALARA Monograph 1 Actioning Change and Lifelong Learning in Community Development

Abstract

This paper presents the key principles and processes of transformational lifelong

learning and positive change in a community development program with a Samoan

community in Australia. The paper takes a qualitative approach to community

development using participatory action learning and action research.

Our inquiry shows that while the Samoan community is a disadvantaged migrant

group in Australia, collaborative community partnerships can help to address

disadvantage in level of education and consequently in employment within the

community. Participatory action learning and action research are powerful

methodologies for achieving quality learning at the personal, professional, team and

community levels. These methodologies are particularly relevant when working with

Pacific communities as they align with practices that are culturally appropriate to

these communities.

The community development program entailed a low-cost, pragmatic, supportive and

self-sustaining approach to education through an enabling framework designed by the

Global University for Lifelong Learning (GULL). Although the framework was

designed mainly for communities in developing countries, it proved to be an effective

system for promoting lifelong learning and positive change in a disadvantaged

community in a ‘developed’ country.

The research and development discussed in this paper therefore have implications for

other disadvantaged communities. In Australasia, these include refugees and

Indigenous groups. However the insights gained through this study may be useful for

community development in disadvantaged communities in any national context, in

both ‘developing’ and ‘developed’ countries.

We present findings in new models that enhance understanding of the key principles

and processes involved in lifelong learning and positive change through a community

development program. The models clarify the utility of these principles and processes

for application wherever disadvantaged communities need a low-cost, self-sustaining

approach to education as an enabling vehicle to address disadvantage.