DOI
10.1080/0360127940200504

Summary
This paper is concerned with the study of Japans approach to continuing education for senior citizen. In the 1970’s, local governments took action to open Community Educational Centres (Kominkans). The Senior Citizens’ Community Education (SCCE) Program is the key driver to for this lifelong learning initiative. Low birth rates and long life-expectancy were factors for the development of this community initiative. The study investigates the public sectors influence in the creation of the education programs. The methodology and data collection is derived from several other studies conducted Nojima and his colleagues. One of which included the survey of 350 Japanese senior citizens taking part in various education programs. Data was also collected from 1077 Kominkans implementing SCCE programs in the form of questionnaires sent and collected in 1991. Various kominkans annual reports were also obtained and numerous administrators and instructors were also interviewed.

Data obtained and analysed found that the primary motivation to attend these education programs was not to master a new skill but rather to meet and socialise with other senior citizens. Nojima details three major publicly funded programs and their contribution to community programs. He then goes on to describe the historical establish of the continuing education system with reference to government efforts with local governments and councils. The program curriculum is summarised under 6 functions: 1. Lifestyle Patterns, 2. Mental/Physical Health, 3. Japanese Society, 4. Hobbies/Traditional Arts, 5. Community Activism – “exploring opportunities to volunteer in your community, assisting community children’s groups, participating in and planning community events, recycling and you, filed trips to public welfare facilities, etc., and 6. Social Skills/Studying Tactics. The findings and recommendations are detailed at the end of the document of which primarily focus on the feedback data from education programs. Nojima calls for research to be continually conducted in order the facilities to further enhance their teaching methods and overall efficiency.

This study could be considered outdated (1994) but does still offer insight into the developmental stages of Japans community effort to engages senior citizens in continuing their education.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
This study is relevant to the community development topic. It relates to the social aspect of senior citizen education and involvement in the community. The paper is not applicable to HEIs directly but may be a useful resource for future students in a similar context.

Curriculum function No.5 details the manner in which senior citizens can involve themselves as greater functioning citizens in a community – thus developing the community. This could be seen as a direct application of SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, furthermore, SDG 4 – Quality Education is also being achieved here.

Point of Strength
Curriculum function No.5 as described above is a useful reference for the development of a similar community driven project. The study concept and demonstrated successes may act as a useful reference for similar studies.

There were no other particular strengths in this document.