NON-FORMAL EDUCATION AS A COMPONENT OF LIFELONG LEARNING - STATISTICAL ASPECTS

Margarita Atanasova

Abstract: In contemporary dynamics of socio-economic development competitiveness is increasingly dependent on the quality of human capital and lifelong learning is emerging as a priority activity covering both formal education and training, and formal and informal learning. One of the leading targets set in the National Strategy for lifelong learning for the period 2014 – 2020 is increasing the participation of population 25-64 years of age in education and training from 1.5% in 2012 to more than 5% in 2020 (4-week reference period).

A key indicator by the help, of which to monitor annually the progress on this objective is the indicator ‘Relative share of the population (25 - 64 years of age) participating in education and training’ (Labour Force Survey), which according to the approved by Eurostat methodology currently covers both formal and informal learning. The main objective of this study is to outline the potential for clear presentation and understanding of observed forms of informal training, which creates prerequisites for improving the quality of statistics in this area. The article ends with concrete proposals for inclusion of various forms of informal training conducted by improving the methodological tools applied to the Labour Force Survey in Bulgaria, incl. and on the basis of useful foreign experience of other European countries.

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Date published: 2016-08-29