The large numbers of displaced poor people from the Asia Pacific – dislocated by conflict, natural disasters, economic imperatives, human trafficking - necessitates special attention. The adult education needs of displaced peoples are not restricted to adult literacy alone but may also traverse the terrain of education for livelihood development and income generation, HIV/AIDS education, human rights, conflict resolution, to name some - by virtue of the special characteristics of displaced, migrant and mobile populations. In 2006, ASPBAE therefore planned to explore into this area of work through a combination of analytical research, policy review and network-building.

In 2007, the programme began with a focus on education issues of migrant workers. Since the issues are complex and ASPBAE requires clarity on how and where it can provide the strategic/ value-added intervention an Options Paper was commissioned which would describe the existing realities; map and identify the prominent organizations working on this issue and the role that ASPBAE should play in this sector. The options paper would be discussed in a small Working Group Meeting which will also recommend specific activities that ASPBAE should take up. This would be done in collaboration with Migrants Forum in Asia, a long standing and active member of ASPBAE.