The 2014 European elections will provide the right momentum to think about the future of learning in Europe. The current economic and social crisis gave a new impetus to deeper cooperation in education and training with a high focus on growth and employment while at the same time austerity measures have weakened our educational systems. EUCIS-LLL believes that a sustainable investment should be made in learning as essential for our social model, in line with their prioritization at EU level. Poor access to lifelong learning limits people’s ability to access quality jobs and participate fully in society. We need a vision to ensure our education and training systems deliver better for economic development, social and civic participation, personal fulfilment and well-being. EUCIS-LLL calls MEPs to consider three top priorities and a set of 12 policy recommendations for lifelong learning in its Manifesto “Building together the future of Learning”.
The Manifesto
I. Ensure Accessible and Quality Learning for All
Lifelong Learning Week - LLL Week 2013
Today, the concept of “lifelong learning” (LLL) is widely used but its meaning differs according to whom is using it. According to EUCIS-LLL, lifelong learning covers education and training across all ages and in all areas of life be it formal, non-formal or informal. It shall enable citizen’s emancipation and full participation in society in its civic, social and economic dimensions. The idea of organising Lifelong Learning Weeks aims to raise awareness on Lifelong Learning (LLL) in Europe and to put forward the need to adopt a holistic approach at all levels of decision-making, implementation and evaluation. This is necessary if we want the EU to become a smart, sustainable and inclusive economy as set in the Europe 2020 strategy.
LLL Week 2013
EUCIS-LLL organises its 3rd Lifelong Learning Week in the European Parliament, Brussels, from 2 to 6 December 2013. This year, the Week will have a particular focus on the upcoming European Elections of Spring 2014. At this occasion EUCIS-LLL will launch its Manifesto for the European elections and many events will take place in order to to provide ideas on how to modernise education and training systems in Europe. Go to the LLL Week 2013 website and check out all the events that will take place on the future of Learning in Europe.
Past Lifelong Learning Week
LLL Week 2012: “Rethinking skills: A civil society perspective”
The aim of Lifelong Learning Week, organised for the first time in 2011 by EUCIS-LLL, is to raise awareness on the social dimension of education and training, as the important factor to reach the headline targets of Europe 2020 in … Learn more
LLL Week 2011: “Different Pathways to Learning”
“Different Pathways to Learning”, Permanent Exhibition, 14-17 March During the Week, EUCIS-LLL and its members organised an exhibition on “Different pathways to learning” within the European Parliament aiming at raising awareness on Lifelong Learning and on the various actors that … Learn more
Encourage pedagogic innovation by putting the learner at the centre. Support enhanced learning experiences and new learning solutions such as e-learning, distance learning and open educational resources.
Reflect upon quality, tailored-made assessment and evaluation mechanisms that better reflect the competences acquired during the learning process.
Advocate to improve teachers, facilitators and trainers’ initial and continuous training as well as their working conditions; offer a better societal recognition of their role, as well as that of other members of the educating community.
Support a wider use of European transparency tools and the setting up by 2018 of national validation mechanisms for non-formal and informal learning to foster flexible learning pathways and facilitate access to the labour market.
Recognize the role played by non-formal and informal learning for active inclusion and social cohesion. Fight against the marginalization of vulnerable groups and promote intercultural dialogue and tolerance.
Defend the idea that learning mobility should be the rule and not the exception and ensure every one can access programmes regardless of their socio-economic and cultural background.
Promote the acquisition of basic skills, in particular foreign language skills, as the lack of such skills hinders citizens’ chances of finding a job and participating in society. Refer to the European Key Competences Framework as a basic framework for all educational sectors.
Strengthen and coordinate guidance services from the earliest age, as the learner’s compass to find the best tailored-made learning opportunities at all levels (national, regional, EU).
Give priority to European civic education to ensure all citizens have a basic understanding about the EU and its common values.
Contribute to the debate about the revision of the governance of EU cooperation in Education and Training (ET2020, Open Method of Coordination; European Semester) and strengthen the engagement of civil society.
Acknowledge the role played by European organisations in education and training by implementing an open, transparent and regular dialogue with representative associations and civil society (article 11 TUE). Set up an Intergroup on Lifelong Learning at the European Parliament.
Reinitiate the impulse on the setting up of a European Statute for the European Association, giving institutional recognition to the engagement and to the activism of millions of citizens./https%3A%2F%2Fprofilepics.canalblog.com%2Fprofilepics%2F1%2F0%2F1076071.jpg)