Policy changes and advocacy in adult learning in Lithuania

Posted: 2023-12-13 / Category: Lithuania country reports > Lithuania 2023

According to the EAEA’s member from the Lithuanian Association of Adult Education, policy-makers are considered important in their country. Their advocacy has influenced changes in the law for non-formal adult education. Additionally, they have engaged in activities at the regional level in municipal elections.

Learners participation in policy-making processes

In Lithuania, adult learners have sufficient opportunities to express their views and concerns to policy-makers in the view of LAAE. The learners' views and concerns are taken into account in policy-making processes and they can actively participate in these processes.

Civil society and active participation

LAAE is actively preparing and keeping involved with the European Year of Skills with several activities planned. They are involved in the implementation of the CONFINTEA VII Marrakech Framework for Action. For the green transition, they are developing projects with their members related to green transition.

Focus for 2023/24

The plan of the Ministry of Education in Lithuania is preparing a new system of individual learning accounts, where the goal is to raise participation in non-formal education from 8.7% to 12%.

Funding sources for ALE in Lithuania

Project funding
Fees paid by individuals
Formula funding (funding of learning activities based on the number of participants and/or learning hours)

Recommendations for improvement

LAAE identifies that ALE in Lithuania notably benefits marginalised populations. In light of this, they recommend that Lithuanian national and local decision-makers consider the significant role played by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in enhancing ALE within the country.

To involve civil society in decision-making more often than it is done so far.
To discuss financial measures for groups at risk.
Consider measures for the involvement of different social groups in adult learning.
Consider recommendations and measures for groups at risk and low-educated adults.