LOCAL AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Belonging to a functional community is a central part of a good life. The rapid changes in the society and e.g. migration dismantle communities and prevent the creation of new ones. This problem can be easened by means of determined community development so that local social and cultural life is revived.
Small enterprises, networks of enterprises and other forms of cooperation are important in creating employment opportunities. A lot of expectations are put on them regarding the development of the rural areas and regressing industrial zones. The EU Structural Funds provide the tools for development, but new practices also require new skills.
Encouragement, self-knowledge, confidence and initiative are needed in both fields. Acting in teams and networks demands cooperation skills, ability to interact, communication skills and capability to adjust to project work. Adult education improving these skills should be included in local and regional development.
One of the experiences from the field of regional development is that success requires specific empowerment. How would we describe empowerment? How could adult education support it?
Excursion
Introduction to the development programme of the archipelago and the results of Local Action for Women project. Questions like entrepreneurship, compatibility of work and family, enhancing the individuals' influence on decision-making at local level and utilisation of information technology will be topics for discussion.
