SEPTEMBER 1, 2015: TODAY marks the beginning of Adult Learners’ Week, and I invite people celebrate the 20th anniversary of this important event on the Australian calendar.The theme for this year’s Adult Learners’ Week, held from 1 to 8 September, is ‘unlocking learning’, with a focus on life-long learning for everyone.“There is always more to learn, and this week provides an ideal opportunity to learn new skills, explore the opportunities out there for further learning or help raise awareness of literacy and numeracy issues.You could start your journey at our libraries, check out university courses you might want to undertake, or find out more about the various community groups who conduct learning activities.Adult Learners’ Week promotes life-long learning, supporting improved workforce participation and productivity for adults through increased participation in education and training.Each year, Adult Learners’ Week is celebrated with hundreds of events and activities designed to promote the benefits of learning – in the home, at work, and in the community – and to highlight the many options available.Those celebrating Adult Learners’ Week will join a world-wide effort to promote life-long learning, with Adult Learners’ Week events being held all over the globe.This year's theme of ‘Unlocking Learning: Lifelong learning for everyone’ addresses the common misconception that learning and education ends with traditional schooling.Learning is a lifelong activity, as attested to by the growing number of adult learners expanding their skills, knowledge and interests on an ongoing basis.Access to education is vital to a socially inclusive, productive and innovative Australia, no matter what stage of life you are at.Find out more at: www.adultlearnersweek.org/.