Promoting Transformative Learning and Education for Sustainable Development at Community Learning Centres in Japan

Abstract

Individuals and gover nments seek a community where sustainability prevails. The discourse on transformative learning receives great attention on the global level because of its contribution to promoting sustainable development. In Japan, the activities of community learning centers (Kominkan) are argued to promote sustainability. This paper examines these activities to reveal their relationship with transformative learning and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). It examines the learning group activities of the 71 Kominkans of Hiroshima city to provide a comprehensive image of community-based learning activities and reveal the relationship between transformation and sustainability. This paper argues that Kominkan activities can develop an integrative form of both community-based transformative learning and community-based transformative ESD. The paper is concluded by suggesting an integrative model of promoting transformation and sustainability through community-based learning activities in Kominkans.