1. WORKSHOP CAN EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE IN RURAL AREAS? Introduction by Fouli Papageorgiou Summer Academy on “The Role of Education and Lifelong Learning in /sustainable /rural /development Gyor, Hungary, 1-9 July 2006

2. What do we mean by quality of life? What improves quality of life? How can we measure quality of life?.

3. Quality of life = standards of living Is this correct? Standard of living = level of consumption Quality of life reflects both material and psychological factors

4. Indicators of quality of life in rural areas (according to a study of the European Foundation on the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions)  Economic resources  Health and health care  Employment and working conditions  Knowledge, education and training  Families and households  Community life and social participation  Housing  Local environment and amenities  Transport  Public safety and crime  Recreation and leisure activities  Culture and identity, political resources and human rights

5. and, satisfaction with life….. A Polish study after the transition showed that education was very closely related with life satisfaction reported by farmers and other people living in rural areas.

6. How can education help improve the quality of life in rural communities? The School or rural college becomes the focus of the community Lifelong learning opens new horizons

7. The school or rural college becomes the focus  School and community work together to solve problems  The school/college offers continuing education to adults to meet their needs  The school/college offers ICT technology and facilities to individuals and businesses  The school/college becomes a symbol of the community’s identity

8. Lifelong learning opens new horizons How?  Folk schools  Third Age universities  Adult education classes  Distance learning  Informal learning

9. Lifelong learning opens new horizons What can we learn?  Academic subjects  Skills for a job or complementary occupation  Leisure and culture to enjoy ourselves  Basic skills (literacy, numeracy, computer)  Self confidence  Participation in decisions taken by the authorities

10. And now it’s time for examples…….