Challenges: New non-formal education law
One of the main challenges in Lithuania is to improve the system of lifelong learning and raise the importance of adult education in the country. A system for validation of non-formal education would further this endeavour.
The pandemic has greatly affected the financial situation for some of the study associations because of cancelled courses and lack of income from participant fees. This has led to termination of contracts of educators and staff, especially part-time workers. LAAE made a complete move to online learning and established new ways of communication and collaboration. Fortunately, the projects funded by the EU were prolonged and the association could continue their activities.
The focus for the upcoming year will be to enhance cooperation with authorities that promote lifelong learning and to partake in the legislative process of a new non-formal adult education law. Furthermore, LAAE seeks to focus on the creation of a new qualification program for adult educators in andragogy. The organisation recommends that the government should pay more attention to the involvement of vulnerable groups in adult education.