8.1 As we have already proposed, the principal responsibilities of Government must be to win support for its vision and principles, establish the overall strategy and allocate appropriate resources. In other words, the Government needs to prepare the ground to put in place the opportunities, resources and structures that will promote a culture of lifelong learning for all. As the Borrie Commission on Social Justice put it, "the first and most important task for Government is to set in place the opportunities for children and adults to learn to their personal best. By investing in skills, we raise people's capacity to add value to the economy, to take charge of their own lives, and to contribute to their own families and communities. 'Thinking for a living' is not a choice but an imperative. Lifelong learning is at the heart of our vision of a better country." (The Commission on Social Justice, 1994)
8.2 A new overall strategy is now needed, as we have suggested earlier. In our view this would represent the most exciting Millennium Project of all. The strategy should embrace the policies and practices for Government itself, for schools, colleges, universities and other educational providers. This means that the Government should set out a clear framework for all tertiary education. In this, particular attention should be paid to the need to develop coherence, effective co-ordination and clarity of links and pathways between different forms and levels of provision and attainment.
8.3 It will also be for the Government to provide leadership and encouragement to all of the other stakeholders and partners in lifelong learning, making all necessary use of the available levers to achieve change, including publicity, communication and the use of financial incentives and other inducements. While the primary responsibility for this should rest with Government and other public authorities and agencies, all funders, sponsors and providers of lifelong learning should also play a full role in the campaign. The media should also be involved and take responsibility for the dissemination and application of good practice to their own spheres of activity and any over which they have influence.
8.4 As we have recommended in Part One, Government should set out a clear strategic framework for lifelong learning, based upon a comprehensive and inclusive vision of learning for all, with agreed milestones and targets and provision for review of progress towards them. On the basis, of this Government should organise a major campaign to raise public understanding of the importance and value of lifelong learning for individuals, families, businesses, communities and society as a whole. It should promote and celebrate achievement and good practice.
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