Sofia, November 2012 Senior Advisor William Evans / Norwegian Association for Adult Learning NGOs in Norway Adult Education and Lifelong Learning Legislation and development Why are we here, and how come that we are so «strong»

Who am I, or rather, what are my recognized competencies You are connected to UNESCOs E-MAP database : William Evans (Expert) Expert > Areas of qualification / specialization Educational management information systems Data collection and processing Data analysis ICTs in educational planning and management Educational management Human resources management Administrative and financial management Other : Project Management Institutional development Other : Project Management

A long time ago! 1767, first NGO, Vitenskapsselskapet, university of Bergen 1809, The First Norwegian NGO that still exists.

These days! About NGOs An NGO ? –Democratic –Membership based

These days II 10 million members in NGOs 80 % of the Norwegians are members of one or more organization(s). 48 % of the grown-up Norwegian population participates in voluntary work annually. The total contribution of Norwegian volunteers is equivalent to full time employees. 36 % of the funding of the voluntary sector comes from central and local governments, 7 % comes from private donors, and 57 % of the funding comes from membership fees and sales.

What is NAAL? The Norwegian Association for Adult Learning (NAAL) is the national NGO umbrella for adult learning in Norway. Our members are 16 governmentally approved adult learning associations with a member network of +470 more or less nationwide adult learning NGOs. In 2011 our members activity included training of appox participants and over courses.

What is non-formal learning ? Formal learning / education we all understand But what is un-formal and non-formal ? Un-formal: ”learning just happens” Non-formal: ”learning is intended”.

But first ! Action without vision is passing time…! Vision without action is day dreaming…! But Vision and Action can change the world…!

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Legislation and development An overview of the field Policy and legislation The position The terminology The cooperation The bodies and providers The methods The participation The future…

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Legislation and development The first legislation for adult education in Norway came in There are today several laws and regulations for different parts of adult education and lifelong learning; such as –adult community learning –liberal/popular adult education –adult education parallel to the ordinary school system –adult education at the work place/educational leave –recognition of skills/prior learning –Adult education for immigrants and refugees, Norwegian as a second language etc. But first, we have to take a look at the background for the position of adult learning in Norway…

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Legislation and development 1814Norway separates from Denmark after 400 years. The Act of Constitution. A starting point for democracy and enlightenment and learning…

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Legislation and development The first NGO for adult learning – The Association for Popular Enlightenment. Lectures for adults. Widening democracy…

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Legislation and development The first residential folk high school (heimvolkshohschule) and the first University Extension or Popular University (volkshohschule) founded and established

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Legislation and development Norway separates from Sweden. Becomes a monarchy. King Haakon VII. Rise of popular movements. Invention of the study circle as the tool for learning by dialogue. A growing working class. Books to be shared…

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Legislation and development The Norwegian Association for Adult Learning founded. The Workers Education Association. The first public grants to liberal adult education

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Legislation and development The first White Paper on popular adult education, including NGOs, libraries and cultural organizations

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Legislation and development The White Paper on adult education as a joint system, adult education run by study associations and the public schools. Reform: Increase from 7 to 9 years of primary + 3 years secondary school (total 12 years) established during the 1960’s. Resulted in a “gap” for many adults…

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Legislation and development The Adult Education Act passing the Parliament. Emphasis on liberal adult education and the role of the study associations

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Legislation and development The Adult Education Act – Objectives: ”The purpose of adult education is to help the individual to attain a more meaningful life. This act shall contribute to providing adults equality in access to knowledge, insight and skills which promote the individual’s endeavors to find their own values and help in their personal development, and thus strengthen the basis for independent achievement and cooperation with others in work and community life.”

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Laws and Regulations The act… Adult education (AE) should and could be free from curricula and exams AE run by voluntary organizations (later adult education associations like WEA) AE at the work place Basic AE Responsibilities and subsidies… Public grants for all…

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Laws and Regulations The first White Paper on lifelong learning, emphasizing learning at the work place and the question of paid educational leave

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Legislation and development The Competence Reform initiated; learning for life and learning for work, formal, non-formal and un-formal competences recognized

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Legislation and development The competence reform The right to educational leave (not paid) The right to recognition and valuing of prior learning off all sectors (formal, non-formal and un-formal education, skills and competencies shall be recognized) Access to further education on the basis of recognition of prior learning and competencies The right to primary and secondary level of school for adults Promotion of basic skills for adults (read and write…) Promotion of learning at the work place

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Legislation and development The new Education Act for primary, secondary and upper secondary education, including the rights for (some) adult 2006

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Legislation and development The education act and adults… The right to primary and secondary education for adults Free of charge A responsibility of the Counties Organized by the schools or new institutions The NGO-based Adult Education Associations and Distance Education Associations may be used as providers

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Legislation and development Initiating a Green Paper on adult learning associations and learning in the civil sector, that is liberal or popular adult education and learning

Adult Education and Learning in Norway Legislation and development A new law passed the Storting (the Norwegian Parliament) – a law covering adult education and learning which is not a part of the formal system, but in the non formal sector, NGOs, study associations and distance education… 2010 The law and regulation is active…

Questions for the future… Adults needs and motivation Basic Skills and Basic Skills Program Drop outs Prisoners Handicapped Education and training for Elderly Refugees Democracy and active citizenship Quality in Learning programs. Challenges enough…

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