WHAT IS ADULT EDUCATION?
The modern world is changing so quickly that it is necessary to constantly learn for a quality life and fulfillment. Therefore, the concept of lifelong learning is gaining more and more popularity in the world. It involves the constant mastering of knowledge and skills that a person chooses on his own. Adult education is part of lifelong learning.
In a broad sense, “adult education” is a learning process; in a narrow sense – a set of organized actions regarding the education of adults, which are carried out by many institutions with the aim of achieving specific goals.
Adult education is formal (studying in post-graduate education institutions) and informal (attending courses in a certain direction without obtaining diplomas or certificates of the state standard).
The concept of non-formal education of adults partly coincides with such concepts as additional and continuing education. It is informal education that directly creates opportunities to satisfy personal needs and demands of society, mobilizing its natural ability for self-improvement and growth.
Education does not end with graduation. Adult education is an integral part of lifelong learning. It provides:
- access to education at any age;
- informal and formal programs for professional development and retraining;
- acquiring knowledge and useful skills for life.
Adult education contributes to the improvement of people’s quality of life, contributes to sustainable development and positive transformations in the world. In two final documents adopted by the VI International Conference on Adult Education (“CONFINTEA VI”), held under the auspices of UNESCO in 2009 in the city of Belém (Brazil), it is noted that “…education and training of adults are the main tools in solving global problems of the 21st century: preserving peace, expanding democracy, respecting human rights, respecting diversity, resolving conflicts, sustainable economic development, improving human resources and protecting the environment.”
At the individual level, learning in adulthood improves cognitive processes, has a positive effect on mood and well-being.
Adult education contributes to a better financial situation. People who are constantly learning develop their expertise and earn more on average.
Participation in educational programs in adulthood contributes to the involvement of citizens in the life of the community. Residents of communities who are studying more often implement initiatives for the development of their settlements.
Citizens of lifelong learning societies have:
- higher income level;
- better quality of life;
- are more active in the development of their own communities.
We strive to make adult education as accessible as possible to everyone, in particular to vulnerable groups of the population. To do this, we provide support to providers of educational services, popularize the culture of lifelong learning through our activities, and develop the legislative framework for adult education in Ukraine.