LLinE Lifelong Learning in Europe

Statement for the Future for Lifelong Learning in Europe

Employability
Employability means the possibility given to any individual to find her or his place within society where there is reciprocity of economic, social and civil development. Government, business and education should interact and allocate educational and other developmental resources so that each individual can live, act and react with dignity and be as a whole an active citizen. Employability means mutual reciprocity. I need you, you need me. They need us!

Social Inclusion
A colourful Europe of the future depends upon a definition of social justice and European entitlement. In a modern, colourful Europe, we value and manage diversity as a key foundation skill for all. We stress the importance of the use of language in the taught curriculum and integrate ethical issues, which are the core element of the education and training of teachers and trainers. We see the necessity of changing habits and attitudes, and acquire long-term policies and funding to implement those policies. A colourful Europe also works with all different sectors of society to define lifelong learning policies that promote social justice. The goal is equal citizenship, the social minimum, equality of opportunity, and fair distribution.

Active citizenship
Active citizenship can only exist in democratic circumstances of a modern society where people manage their own lives with dignity and respect for others. There is a balance between an individual and society, and there is open discourse in the society. An active citizen knows his/her basic rights and duties and how to use them. S/he respects others, searches for knowledge, chooses social pathways and has a critical mind. An active citizen influences the environment, seeks to solve problems and remains self-directive. Active citizenship is seen to be a social endeavour. Teaching and learning methods should help people to find their identity and promote active citizenship. In education emphasis should change from the dominant aspect of economic growth to the human being, with human metaphors, not machine or system.

Personal Fulfilment
Personal fulfilment is knowing yourself. Lifelong learning is a holistic process on the individual level and shows as personal and inner growth. It is learning for career, family and parental responsibilities.
Lifelong learning must be seen as a right to learn from cradle to grave. The overall aim is for individuals to be healthy in body and spirit. Consistent parts of one’s personal fulfilment are learning to live together, with diversity competence and respect of one’s and others’ culture; learning to learn, and learning to care for personal health and environment. There is to be variety of opportunity for discovery of one’s ways of learning.
One is able to make decisions with greater balance under the light of individual freedom and security.
In order to achieve these objectives there must exist an interconnectedness and integration of educational levels and pathways among non-formal and formal pathways to education. We should underpin this with continual evaluation and improvement of all processes.
Political awareness is essential in order to ensure the stability of the value of education and for funding to remain at adequate levels.

Participants of the LLinE Conference What Future for Lifelong Learning in Europe
20-22 October 2005