A case for the underestimated informal side of lifelong learning

Formal and non-formal education is well established and recognised in our society. However, unbeknown to those who engage in it, informal learning occurs more frequently than these forms of education. Those who engage with others in their informal learning have the potential for personal fulfilment and community well-being. Who is involved? What does it look like? How does it happen? What is the relationship between the teacher and learner, and what use is it anyway? This paper addresses the position of informal learning in the scheme of lifelong learning and documents a research study that sought to produce some answers when 'informal teachers' of a rural community were investigated.