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Background...
The first Week of Lifelong
Learning, initiated by the Ministry of Education, Science & Culture
and coordinated by EDUCATE - Iceland, took place in the country on 4 -
10 September 2000. Regional centres for lifelong learning throughout
Iceland celebrated the week which specifically targeted learners with limited
formal qualifications. The objectives of the week were to increase the
understanding of the importance of lifelong learning, to provide guidance
and counselling on learning opportunities, and to support the development
of a support infrastructure in order to reach out to members of the target
group. The week equally aimed at encouraging cooperation between providers
and stakeholders and at creating and improving courses and learning materials
addressing the needs of the target group.
Activities included organized visits to companies, which were prepared in cooperation with trade unions, education providers and vocational training counsellors in order to help companies to analyze and cater to the educational needs of their employees, and the suggestion to reserve one day as an "in-house day of lifelong learning". Presentations of courses and an introduction to the benefits of learning took place in Supermarkets, swimming pools libraries, and health centers, and a family weekend on "Learning is Fun" concluded the week.
Under the heading of Iceland and Its Environment - Languages and Computer Knowledge, the second week was organized in Iceland by Educate on behalf of the Ministry of Education on 3 - 9 September 2001. It focused on the importance of learning languages and computer skills for people of all ages. It is planned to have a similar week in the year 2002 around the 8th of September.
Contact:
Thóra Ragnheidur Stefánsdóttir
Project Manager
EDUCATE - Iceland
Laugavegi 51
101 Reykjavik
Iceland
tel +354-1-511-2660
fax +354-1-511-2661
thora@mennt.is
www.mennt.is/simenntun