Improve your Education!

Improve your Improve your Education!Education!

''Every person - child, youth and adult - shall be able to benefit Every person - child, youth and adult - shall be able to benefit from educational opportunities designed to meet their basic from educational opportunities designed to meet their basic learning needs. These needs comprise both essential learning needs. These needs comprise both essential learning tools (such as literacy, oral expression, numeracy, learning tools (such as literacy, oral expression, numeracy, and problem solving) and the basic learning content (such and problem solving) and the basic learning content (such as knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes) required by as knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes) required by human beings to be able to survive, to develop their full human beings to be able to survive, to develop their full capacities, to live and work in dignity, to participate fully in capacities, to live and work in dignity, to participate fully in development, to improve the quality of their lives, to make development, to improve the quality of their lives, to make informed decisions, and to continue learninginformed decisions, and to continue learning.'.'[1][1]

[1][1] World Declaration on Education for All: Meeting Basic Learning Needs (World Conference on Education 1990) World Declaration on Education for All: Meeting Basic Learning Needs (World Conference on Education 1990)

ProjectProject

Education Unlimited!Education Unlimited! is aiming at greater involvement of is aiming at greater involvement of young people in designing their learning experience. young people in designing their learning experience.

Education Unlimited!Education Unlimited! will contribute to the improvement of will contribute to the improvement of young people's education in Europe, pointing at changes young people's education in Europe, pointing at changes necessary to answer the current needs.necessary to answer the current needs.

Education Unlimited!Education Unlimited! will help young people to discover and will help young people to discover and benefit from opportunities that will increase their chances benefit from opportunities that will increase their chances in work and study life. in work and study life.

Education Unlimited!Education Unlimited! means more and better education! means more and better education!

Target groupTarget group Direct audience:Direct audience:

Students and youth leadersStudents and youth leaders Academic staff and trainer communitiesAcademic staff and trainer communities Decision makers in the field of youth, education, Decision makers in the field of youth, education,

employment and those who influence these decisionsemployment and those who influence these decisions

Indirect audience:Indirect audience: Civil society and mediaCivil society and media

Lisbon Agenda, Lisbon Agenda, March 2000March 2000

EU Heads of States and Governments agreed to make the EU "the EU Heads of States and Governments agreed to make the EU "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-driven economy by most competitive and dynamic knowledge-driven economy by 2010“2010“

Education: Bologna Process (BP) as part of Lisbon Agenda aims to Education: Bologna Process (BP) as part of Lisbon Agenda aims to

establish a European Area of Higher Education by 2010 establish a European Area of Higher Education by 2010

Objectives of BP: Objectives of BP: Introduction of undergraduate and postgraduate levels in all Introduction of undergraduate and postgraduate levels in all

countries countries European Credit Transfer System (ECTS)European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) Elimination of remaining obstacles to the mobility of students and Elimination of remaining obstacles to the mobility of students and

teachersteachers Implementing new ways of learning in the framework of life-long-Implementing new ways of learning in the framework of life-long-

learning (LLL)learning (LLL)

Current situation…Current situation…

Higher education as concept of school-teaching is not able Higher education as concept of school-teaching is not able to develop in an individual the key competences defined by to develop in an individual the key competences defined by European Commission, or life skills defined by UNESCO.European Commission, or life skills defined by UNESCO. There is nThere is need for broader understanding of learning!eed for broader understanding of learning!

The role of non-formal education (NFE) and its The role of non-formal education (NFE) and its complementarities with formal education (FE) is neglected.complementarities with formal education (FE) is neglected.

Learning experiences acquired outside the formal education Learning experiences acquired outside the formal education system are not equally treated on the professional market.system are not equally treated on the professional market.

Current situation…Current situation…

The implementation of BP often provokes a lack of space The implementation of BP often provokes a lack of space within studies for extracurricular activities.within studies for extracurricular activities. (e.g. Project (e.g. Project organization, active membership in NGOs or participation in organization, active membership in NGOs or participation in international events.)international events.)

Educational reforms are arranged on governmental level. Educational reforms are arranged on governmental level. They do not take into account feedback from the grass-They do not take into account feedback from the grass-roots!roots!

Potential of mobility programmes as chance to enrich both Potential of mobility programmes as chance to enrich both formal and non-formal education is often not being realized formal and non-formal education is often not being realized among students and universities.among students and universities.

Our Principles!Our Principles!

Improvement of European higher education!Improvement of European higher education!

Strengthening involvement of young peopleStrengthening involvement of young people in in educational policies at the grass-root level!educational policies at the grass-root level!

Bridging formal and non-formal education!Bridging formal and non-formal education!

ObjectivesObjectives

1.1. Bring Bologna process and concept of LLL closer to young Bring Bologna process and concept of LLL closer to young people on the grass-roots levelpeople on the grass-roots level

2.2. Encourage proactive approach of young people to design Encourage proactive approach of young people to design their own educationtheir own education

3.3. Contribute to the acknowledgement of non-formal Contribute to the acknowledgement of non-formal education activities within formal education systemeducation activities within formal education system

ActivitiesActivities

InformInform local students local students about BPabout BP aims and their aims and their implementation as well as about the concept of LLLimplementation as well as about the concept of LLL

Preparation of user-friendly Preparation of user-friendly information materialsinformation materials and and manualsmanuals explaining in a simple way about BP explaining in a simple way about BP, , LLL, NFELLL, NFE etc.; showing examples of activities and ways etc.; showing examples of activities and ways to get involvedto get involved

Action WeekAction Week on the topic of FE bridging NFE on the topic of FE bridging NFE promote benefits from mobility as NFE activity, promote benefits from mobility as NFE activity, organising exchangesorganising exchanges

TrainingTraining events events for BP multipliersfor BP multipliers to pass on to pass on knowledge to peers in their university citiesknowledge to peers in their university cities


Analyse impact of BPAnalyse impact of BP on students active in youth NGOs on students active in youth NGOs

European-wide survey European-wide survey among students, about their among students, about their attitude, knowledge and experience with Bologna attitude, knowledge and experience with Bologna process.process.

Press conference Press conference at IFISO meeting in Brussels: BP at IFISO meeting in Brussels: BP seen with the eyes of students that are active in NGOs seen with the eyes of students that are active in NGOs Comparison of experiences regarding the impact of Comparison of experiences regarding the impact of educational reforms (coming from BP) on their educational reforms (coming from BP) on their members.members.


Create platformsCreate platforms for young people to contribute for young people to contribute with with comments and ideascomments and ideas

Discussion clubsDiscussion clubs via AEGEE locals open also to other via AEGEE locals open also to other NGOs and individual students to exchange opinionsNGOs and individual students to exchange opinions Presentation of outcomes to representatives of student Presentation of outcomes to representatives of student unions and academic staff.unions and academic staff.

ActivitiesActivities Strengthen the Strengthen the cooperationcooperation between between student NGOs and student NGOs and

universityuniversity student unionsstudent unions

Debates and workshops Debates and workshops to come up with proposalsto come up with proposals for for inclusion of non-formal education within formal education inclusion of non-formal education within formal education system. system.

International study session/seminarInternational study session/seminar: Analyse the BP : Analyse the BP reforms from the youth sector point of viewreforms from the youth sector point of view

International conferenceInternational conference about educational reforms with about educational reforms with student NGOs and student representations of different student NGOs and student representations of different facultiesfaculties

ActivitiesActivities Present Present the the impact of NFEimpact of NFE

Official Official bookletbooklet about about history and development of NFE in history and development of NFE in Europe in the last 20Europe in the last 20 years years Success stories of NGOs' Success stories of NGOs' alumnialumni (AEGEE and other youth NGOs) (AEGEE and other youth NGOs)

International conference on alternative educationInternational conference on alternative education: : Role of NGOs and institutions as providers of non-formal Role of NGOs and institutions as providers of non-formal educationeducation

International conferenceInternational conference involving UNESCO and World involving UNESCO and World BankBank: Best practices of other countries, recognition of NFE : Best practices of other countries, recognition of NFE in the global perspectivein the global perspective


PromotePromote the participation in the participation in NFENFE activities activities

Joint letter-sending actionJoint letter-sending action: : letters from AEGEE letters from AEGEE members asking for recognition of their participation in members asking for recognition of their participation in NFE activitiesNFE activities are being are being sent at the same time to sent at the same time to respective ministers and to European-level decision respective ministers and to European-level decision makers makers “flood” effect“flood” effect


Initiate Initiate cooperation between institutionscooperation between institutions dealing with dealing with FE and NFEFE and NFE

International study session/seminar on International study session/seminar on complementarities of FE and NFEcomplementarities of FE and NFE: AEGEE, : AEGEE, Youth, Youth, Education units of Council of Europe, European Union, as Education units of Council of Europe, European Union, as well as European universities, labour market, youth well as European universities, labour market, youth NGOs and student unionsNGOs and student unions discussing about actual discussing about actual system of education and proposing system of education and proposing different different structures of European core curriculastructures of European core curricula


Encourage Encourage contributions from studentscontributions from students who gained who gained educational educational experienceexperience through through mobilitymobility

Post-exchange evaluation roundPost-exchange evaluation round: collecting : collecting observations and conclusions about differences in observations and conclusions about differences in educational systemseducational systems of students coming back from of students coming back from educational exchanges educational exchanges proposals to be discussed with proposals to be discussed with university followed by implementationuniversity followed by implementation

ActivitiesActivities Foster Foster thematic meetings on education between thematic meetings on education between

students and academic staff students and academic staff of different nationalities of different nationalities

Thematic exchangesThematic exchanges between AEGEE locals between AEGEE locals: M: Meeting eeting with their university staff,with their university staff, workshops on the workshops on the educational systemseducational systems of the sides participating in of the sides participating in exchangeexchange

Summer University Education TourSummer University Education Tour: D: Debates between ebates between participants on different educational systemsparticipants on different educational systems introducing introducing iinteractive methodology of theatre forum or debatenteractive methodology of theatre forum or debate Result movie „My perfect European education“ by Result movie „My perfect European education“ by AEGEE TVAEGEE TV


Local Local interactionsinteractions between between young people and other young people and other stakeholders stakeholders in education in education

Study visitsStudy visits: Trips to several cities in other countries : Trips to several cities in other countries where NFE is already acknowledged (e.g. Finland, where NFE is already acknowledged (e.g. Finland, France, Austria, Netherlands etc.) to meet stakeholders France, Austria, Netherlands etc.) to meet stakeholders on education on local level on education on local level explore hot issuesexplore hot issues regarding education, main challenges, regarding education, main challenges, best practicesbest practices, , and study the involvement of all sides in educational and study the involvement of all sides in educational systemsystem

Follow UpFollow Up All contributions and results of local and international activities All contributions and results of local and international activities

throughout the project will be gathered, presented online and used throughout the project will be gathered, presented online and used for issuing a for issuing a result bookletresult booklet

ConclusionsConclusions will be will be presentedpresented to relevant bodies to relevant bodies at European at European level:level:

Bologna Follow-Up Group regarding the view on BP from NGO Bologna Follow-Up Group regarding the view on BP from NGO perspectiveperspective

European institutions regarding complementarities of higher European institutions regarding complementarities of higher education and NFE provided mainly by youth NGOseducation and NFE provided mainly by youth NGOs

Governments and national bodies representing young people Governments and national bodies representing young people (student unions, national youth councils).(student unions, national youth councils).

Expected ResultsExpected Results Presenting the impact of NFE and its importance along with FEPresenting the impact of NFE and its importance along with FE

Presenting best practices of recognition of NFEPresenting best practices of recognition of NFE

Reaching all actors in the field (NGOs, Government , Reaching all actors in the field (NGOs, Government , international organizations) international organizations) Efficient lobbying for Efficient lobbying for recognition of NFE with joint effortsrecognition of NFE with joint efforts

Giving contribution to the work of Bologna Follow-Up Group Giving contribution to the work of Bologna Follow-Up Group regarding complementarities of FE and NFEregarding complementarities of FE and NFE

Increasing participatory level (or role) of students in Education Increasing participatory level (or role) of students in Education processes (e.g. BP)processes (e.g. BP)

TeamTeam Project Manager: Asia Piskunowicz, AEGEE PoznanProject Manager: Asia Piskunowicz, AEGEE Poznan Content Coordinator: Jan Tolkien, AEGEE MünsterContent Coordinator: Jan Tolkien, AEGEE Münster Thematic Coordinator (BP): Julia Drews, AEGEE BerlinThematic Coordinator (BP): Julia Drews, AEGEE Berlin Thematic Coordinator (Mobility): Mercedes Castillio Martinez, Thematic Coordinator (Mobility): Mercedes Castillio Martinez,

AEGEE AlicanteAEGEE Alicante Thematic Coordinator (NFE): Veronica Stefan, AEGEE BucurestiThematic Coordinator (NFE): Veronica Stefan, AEGEE Bucuresti Advisor: Miljan Radunovic, AEGEE BeogradAdvisor: Miljan Radunovic, AEGEE Beograd External PR: Anna Shirokova, AEGEE MoscowExternal PR: Anna Shirokova, AEGEE Moscow Internal PR: Violeta Joitoui, AEGEE BucurestiInternal PR: Violeta Joitoui, AEGEE Bucuresti European Relations: Viktoriya Voytsekhovska, AEGEE European Relations: Viktoriya Voytsekhovska, AEGEE L´vivL´viv European Institutions: Tika Tsertsvadze, AEGEE TbilisiEuropean Institutions: Tika Tsertsvadze, AEGEE Tbilisi FR: Vaggelis Monoguios, AEGEE AthinaFR: Vaggelis Monoguios, AEGEE Athina FR/ Local responsible: Karolina Zborowska, AEGEE-Słupsk FR/ Local responsible: Karolina Zborowska, AEGEE-Słupsk Local activities: Kadri Kalle, AEGEE TartuLocal activities: Kadri Kalle, AEGEE Tartu Publications: Jacqueline Emmerich, AEGEE AugsburgPublications: Jacqueline Emmerich, AEGEE Augsburg Follow-Up Coordinator: Jonna Sijl, AEGEE UtrechtFollow-Up Coordinator: Jonna Sijl, AEGEE Utrecht

Questions?Questions?

Contact us at:Contact us at:

[email protected]@aegee.org

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Improve your Education!