NON-FORMAL EDUCATION IN GEORGIA: STILL UNTAPPED POTENTIAL by David Gvineria - UNICEF Georgia

TWO BIG QUESTIONS 1. The question of Quality Education is a complex issue – one sided approach to answering it might not be enough; 2. Long-term change happens when it is understood, supported and implemented from within

Once we recognize that a considerable amount of education happens beyond the school walls, we can quickly recognize the importance and role of non-formal and informal learning!  Formal education : the hierarchically structured, chronologically graded 'education system', running from primary school through the university and including, in addition to general academic studies, a variety of specialized programmes and institutions for full-time technical and professional training.  Informal education : the truly lifelong process whereby every individual acquires attitudes, values, skills and knowledge from daily experience and the educative influences and resources in his or her environment - from family and neighbours, from work and play, from the market place, the library and the mass media.  Non-formal education : any organised educational activity outside the established formal system - whether operating separately or as an important feature of some broader activity - that is intended to serve identifiable learning clienteles and learning objectives.

Formalnon-formal purposes Long-term & general Credential-based Short-term & specific Non-credential-based timing long cycle / preparatory / full-time short cycle / recurrent / part- time content standardized / input centred academic entry requirements determine clientele individualized / output centred practical clientele determine entry requirements delivery system institution-based, isolated from environment. rigidly structured, teacher- centred and resource intensive environment-based, community related. flexible, learner-centred and resource saving controlexternal / hierarchicalself-governing / democratic