Estonia

SUMMARY OF THE STUDY VISIT TO SLOVENIA

1) Media cooperation in order to promote lifelong learning
Media coverage on lifelong learning and adult education seems to be an issue in most of the EU countries. Nevertheless, there are some good cases where it has been possible to attract the attention of media. Consistency seems to be the key word here. It is necessary to promote lifelong learning throughout the year via different channels. This requires originality, real-life stories about people and their activities. Amusing video clips could be made without much professional help. There should be regular press releases and long-term cooperation with journalists interested in the field. It was good to realise that there has been a breakthrough in Estonia in that respect largely thanks to Andras.

2) ALW regional activities: recognition etc
It is obvious that people living in the remote rural areas are in not very good position regarding participation in adult learning; that is due to our bad transport infrastructure. That makes the role of local libraries and community centres even more important - it is vital that they participate in lifelong learning. Local media should cover issues of lifelong learning. This can only take place in close cooperation with local governments in order to look for opportunities for the people to learn and develop. There should be the so-called ambassadors of lifelong learning in every village who would promote lifelong learning locally throughout the year.

Recognition is of great importance. Every small rural municipality should recognise its outstanding learners and allow the ALW reach every remote corner, becoming a truly national event. There are official receptions held for secondary school-leavers in almost every municipality, why not have similar celebrations for recognised adult learners?

3) Involving different target groups
It is extremely complicated to involve everyone. Active people participate in most of the events. The problem is obviously wider, concerning our education system in general - people do not feel the need to learn and develop. Motivation does not come from outside. There are unfortunately too many examples getting by without proper education. People do still not have faith that education will enable to get a good job and rewarding pay. Breaking that belief seems to be hardest of all.
This year we would like to involve the local governments of Tartu County by going there ourselves to tell stories, recognise learners and disseminate information.

Terje Kapp, member of the regional ALW support group in Tartu