Belgian contribution Grundtvig project DISCOVER Finland, 8-12 June 2011

Belgium = Federal State 3 regions (Brussels, Flanders & Wallonia) 3 communities (French, Flemish & German) Organization and funding of schools : - Schools owned by the communities, - Subsidized public schools organized by provinces and local communities, - Subsidized free schools (catholic schools, e.g.), - Private schools (international schools, e.g.) Education is compulsory up to 18 years old. A lot of different organizations offer Life Long Learning; Funding depends on the type of education. (Region, Community, European, private… funding)

Up to 18, Fundamental and secondary FORMAL education offer specialized or adapted schooling for children with disabilities or special needs (8 types of handicap) special budgets for schools in “disadvantaged areas”: positive discrimination reception education for immigrants (special language courses) financial help with grants psycho-medico-social centers with guidance services, e.g. youth- helping services Private home education is also possible with special exams every year.

When they are more than 18, all "disadvantaged” can join LLL through- Formal education - Non formal education - Informal education Financial help is mainly granted for - socioprofessional integration; - active participation in social, economical, cultural and political life; - personal blooming.

FormalNon FormalInformal - Adult Education -Validation of competences (PROMSOC) - Distance schooling (help and remediation ) -Permanent Education (socioprofessional organizations- NGO’s) Libraries, cultural centers… Permanent training institute (PME) - Associative Sector (socioprofessional integration – OISP) - Walloon public service for professional training and employment (FOREM) Funding French Community Walloon & Brussels regions