by Peter Waite, Vice President- North America
Our United States members are continuing to work on the elements of the GRALE report under the leadership of COLLO (Coalition of Lifelong Learning Organizations) and other ICAE members. While not an official member of UNESCO the group has obtained focal point status with UNESCO and plans to submit a report and supportive documentation on what is happening in the United States in Adult Education. The team has developed specific sub groups to review available material and has made contacts with other key data sources in adult education for the US.
With continuing leadership from COLLO and our Canadian member CASAE (Canadian Association for the Study of Adult Education) we have begun discussions on potential collaborations on various topics and potential joint activities. Christy Rhodes of COLLO, Wellington Sousa of CASAE and Marlon Sanches of CASAE have been the key leaders in these explorations. This group is also reaching out to determine what activities are happening in conjunction with GRALE 6 in Canada. The Canadian Commission for UNESCO is the existing focal point for activities.
The US GRALE group has also benefited from the helpful exchanges with the ICAE board members and leadership in terms of timing and overall direction for GRALE 6. They are particularly appreciative of that information and welcome any thoughts or advice as the process continues. A number of our representatives have also been active with several of our European colleagues and attended several events where additional collaborations have been discussed.
The US members are pleased to announce that the first ever Learning Cities designation has been awarded to Lowell, Massacuchetts. This is the first city in the US to receive this designation and it was an important milestone given the US non status in UNESCO and the lack of a US Commission for UNESCO who is usually the sponsoring organization.
We are hopeful of more positive interactions with UNESCO and our worldwide colleagues in spite of our withdrawal.
Peter Waite
Vice President- North America