Implementation of Lifelong Learning Strategy

Background

Tempus Public Foundation (TPF) is a non-profit organization established in 1996 by the Hungarian Government, with the task of managing international cooperation programmes and special projects in the field of education, training and EU-related issues. Amongst TPF activities is the establishment and implementation of the National Lifelong Learning Strategy in Hungary – with the support of the European Commission and the Hungarian Ministry of Education and Culture.

Aims and targets

TPF Hungary aims to:

• support initiatives aiming at the modernisation and quality improvement of education, training, RTD and human resources development
• encourage international cooperation and mobility
• strengthen the European dimension in these fields

Strategy and actions

1. Partnership Building for Lifelong Learning
Defining the concepts of partnership and lifelong learning is the main goal of the project together with experts of the theme on local, regional and national level inviting wide audiences in the discussion as well.
The expected outcome is a so-called ‘lifelong learning network’, where the representatives of different social and professional groups can express their ideas, and find a common ground with other stakeholders in the process. As a result, the concept of lifelong learning could turn into reality for large social groups.

2. Equity in Education in Central Europe – a regional analysis
The project, in cooperation with Austria, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, aims to identify the most relevant equity issues at regional level in the context of lifelong learning. It will be implemented by the means of 2 workshops in Budapest with the participation of Hungarian and international experts.

Monitoring and evaluation

Funding/Cost effectiveness

Funding is by the Hungarian Government and EU sources.

Sustainability/Transferability

Outcomes/impacts

Achievements

As an example: in order to improve regional LLL networks, series of cafés were organised in the 3 eastern regions of Hungary on lifelong learning for all involved actors, including teachers, students, employers, chambers, journalists, etc. These informal talks gave the opportunity to get the representatives of official structures and informal networks together, in order to stimulate communication and co-operation. This initiative, appreciated by the participants, will continue this year: a network-building training programme and debates on the region-specific, current LLL topics was due to be organised in 2009.

Success factors

The focus and coordination that TPF is able to bring to the variety of programmes and activities within its ambit.

Unintended impacts

Strengths and weaknesses

There are synergies arising from the collaborations with other Central and Eastern European countries.