The Grundtvig part of the Socrates II Programme (adult education)
In the Socrates II Programme scheduled for 2000-2006 more weight has been put to adult education than in the previous programme, and it also receives a larger share of the programme budget. In the priorities of the new agenda adult education is a field on its own right after activities in the school system and higher education. The section has been named after N.F.S. Grundtvig, founder of the Danish folk high school.
Under Article 1 of the Socrates II Programme the purpose of the programme is to "support the acquisition of such knowledge, skills and know-how which promote active participation in the society and improve employment opportunities". In Section 2 of the Grundtvig part the objectives of projects and initiatives receiving financial support are defined as follows:
a) to promote individual adult education and adult participation in lifelong learning;
b) to provide basic education and qualifications for persons now lacking them;
c) to develop, exchange and disseminate innovative educational aspects and good practices, including the development and distribution of modules and substantial material of education;
d) to develop language and support services for adult learners and providers of adult education, including services related to guidance and consultation;
e) to develop instruments and methods for evaluating, approving and certifying the knowledge, skills and know-how of adult learners, including skills acquired by means of experimental or self-motivated learning or outside the actual educational system;
f) to improve proficiency in other languages of the Community or strengthen international awareness among adult learners and providers of adult education;
g) to develop the basic and continuing education of the teaching staff in the field;
h) to encourage visits and exchange of learners and teachers, including the visits and exchange of persons providing adult education or education for teachers of adult learners;
i) to provide special projects for adult learners with special educational needs.
Completely new is Section 3 of the Grundtvig part, which emphasises the creation of European networks as a means to strengthen the contacts and co-operation between the various actors in the field and to improve the awareness of the European dimension.
Socrates II Programme will probably be accepted in its final form late in 1999 during the Finnish Presidency.
The recommendations of the seminar can be used for preparation of the national application guides to the programme.
