About the CLLCE
The Centre for Lifelong Learning and Community Engagement was launched by the Warden, Professor Geoffrey Crossick, on June 5 2007 in the Council Chamber, Deptford Town Hall, Goldsmiths, University of London. In line with the Centre's rationale the launch commenced with a debate exploring perspectives on futures for Lifelong Learning and Community Engagement. Lifelong Learning has typically been defined in relatively narrow terms, focusing upon improving the individual's employability and continuing professional development. Although important, employability is far from representing the only goal for lifelong learning, however. The Centre continually aims to contribute to redressing this imbalance, promoting lifelong learning for community engagement, equalities and active citizenship agendas for social justice.
The Centre is based within the Department of Professional and Community Education (PACE) which is a UK leader in the fields of professional development and widening participation. The Centre is committed to research and education in these fields and provides a focal point for many of the activities and events within the department. Please visit the 'Events' section for more details on past, present and future events in which the Centre has been involved.
Located within the Centre is the Faiths and Civil Society Unit which is a unit for excellence in the development of policy, practice and research in the area of faiths and civil society. Furthermore, the Centre forms the base for three full-time PhD students researching areas concerning active citizenship. The three research students are:
- Mohamed Aden Hassan, researching 'Transnational Active Citizens: the experience of one-and-half and second generation Somalis in London' in partnership with London Somali Youth Forum.
- Daniella Holland, researching 'The Influence of Government policy and the Third Sector in Activating Citizenship' in partnership with South Wales Workers Education Association (the WEA is a member of the Take Part National Network).
- Gabi Recknagel, researching 'The Impact of Government Policies in Empowering Individual Citizens and Community Groups' in partnership with Exeter Council for Voluntary Service, a partner in the Take Part National Pathfinder programme.
Since its launch, staff connected to the Centre have been, and are, involved in numerous projects within the themes of Lifelong Learning and Community Engagement. Please see the Research and Publications sections for more details of the work within the Centre.