Adult Learners Week is an international celebration of lifelong learning which initially developed in the United States in the late 1980s when there was a move to create a broad celebration of adult learning.
Adult Learners’ Week is now a UNESCO initiative and is celebrated in many countries around the world.
Australia’s Involvement
Adult Learning Australia received a grant in 1995 to conduct a national pilot of Adult Learners Week in Australia. The pilot was successful and the Week has been celebrated from 1- 8 September each year since then. In 2025, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of Adult Learners Week in Australia.
National Support
In Australia, Adult Learners Week is supported by the Commonwealth Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and coordinated by Adult Learning Australia.
Focus on Lifelong Learning
The Week emphasises that learning is a lifelong journey and that it’s never too late to start or continue learning.
Community Engagement
Adult Learners Week encourages individuals to reflect on their learning journeys, explore new opportunities, and promotes participation in adult and community education.
Themes and Activities
Each year, Adult Learners Week features a specific theme and offers a wide range of events and activities to celebrate and promote adult learning. The 2026 theme is Follow Your Compass.
Impact and Benefits
The week highlights the positive impact of adult learning on individuals, communities, and the wider society.