This book offers perspectives and challenges for action research in contemporary society with a particular reflection on ethics and standards. On the one hand the world is becoming smaller and much more open with tremendous opportunities for international exchange and multi-cultural enrichment. On the other hand the divide between the poor and the rich is deepening, international tensions are growing and the sustainability of the environment is under considerable threat on a worldwide basis. These trends are challenging politicians, civil society and social movements to search for problem...

This book details the findings of a comparative study which sought to explore the extent to which selected non-formal education programmes in five different countries (Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria and Scotland) are improving the lives and livelihoods of their participants. Moreover, poverty can be interpreted in different ways, and programmes impact differently on these different forms of poverty. A curriculum that was holistic and multi-sectoral in its approach appeared to have a greater impact on livelihoods than education that focused on literacy skills alone.

This book offers a conceptual re-think of how university community engagement functions as a lifelong learning resource for communities.