Challenges: No COVID-19 compensation for the adult learning sector
Our respondents say that changed funding for ALE has slightly or dramatically worsened the financing situation at all levels. At the moment, the ALE sector is under pressure, and funding for the non-formal learning sector is non-existent. Training centres and educators are looking for ways to survive. In essence, adult education activities are unfunded, and all activities are project-based. This was showcased when grants for damages due to the COVID-19 were distributed to other areas, adult education was forfeited.
The ministry of education and research funds only the ENAEA as policy designer in non-formal adult education area. Most of the organisations still rely on fees paid by, either by participants or their employers, but even such funds have been significantly reduced. Some funds come from the Erasmus+ programme, which Estonian adult education sector actively participates in.
A shift to online learning had also directly impacted the financial costs of participants. While most providers had to pay less for course materials, investments had to be made to ensure a stable technological environment.
Looking forward
For 2022 FHS will focus on parents as their primary target group in co-operation with a program financed by the Ministry of Education and Research.
EANEA is focusing on ensuring that no more non-formal education training centres would be closed. Currently, they are negotiating with the government on the further development of the non-formal education field. There is an initiative to start a paradigm shift into the perception of non-formal education and showcase it as equally important in relation to formal education.