National Strategy for Lifelong National Strategy for Lifelong Learning Learning

for the period 2008-2013 for the period 2008-2013 BulgariaBulgaria

17-18 May 2010, Amsterdam

Strategic pillars of the national Strategic pillars of the national Lifelong learning strategyLifelong learning strategy

• EU key strategic documents • The commitments taken within the EU processes –

Bologna and Copenhagen• The EC Lifelong learning program• The national programs serving the allocation of

the Structural Funds• The National strategy for continuing training

(2005-2010)• National reforms in education, training and

employment

The LLL Strategy The LLL Strategy is based on comprehensiveness is based on comprehensiveness

The Bulgaria’s Strategy for LLL is directed to establish:

• Long-term decision guidelines in education and training for the government

• Unified direction of the goals and efforts of all institutions, organizations, professional sectors, social groups and individuals

Bulgaria’s LLL StrategyBulgaria’s LLL Strategyconceptual frameworkconceptual framework

• Definition of Lifelong learning

• Strategy vision and objective

• Principles

• Participants in Lifelong learning

LLL orientation of general school LLL orientation of general school education education

Strategic objectives:

enhancing school and learning attractiveness, instruments for recognition of NF learning, strengthening the trust in the school system, accent on key competences, digitalization of school process where suitable, special care to special children (disabled or talanted), teacher qualification, career guidance

LLL orientation of vocational LLL orientation of vocational education and trainingeducation and training

Strategic objectives:

enhancing VET attractiveness, practically oriented training, participation of business and industry representatives, transition to and from VET, openness to broader scope of qualifications

LLL orientation of higher educationLLL orientation of higher education

Strategic objectives:

enhancing student participation in HE, partnership with business and industry, transferable skills in higher education, instruments of transparency, recognition and mobility, ICT, quality assurance

LLL orientation of adult learningLLL orientation of adult learning

Strategic objectives:quality continuing training for everyone in the labour market, systematic development of key competencies, orientation and guidance, alternative education for early school leavers, different forms of education delivery, shared financial responsibility

Major achievements in planned Major achievements in planned strategic actions strategic actions

• The access to education and training has been facilitated through legislation in all sectors

• National information system for demand and supply of professional training

• National register for teacher qualification training • Universities have established closer links with

professional schools providing qualification upgrading to teachers

• Links with parents and NGO’s working in the field of education gained high quality

Major achievements in planned Major achievements in planned strategic actionsstrategic actions

• Business representative of respective professional areas participate in developing programs and final examinations in the system of VET

• State educational requirements• Higher education instruments – ECTS, DS,

mobility documents, recognition procedures, horizontal and vertical mobility

• National qualification framework• Learning outcomes orientation of quality

assurance system

LLL in BulgariaLLL in BulgariaSWOTSWOT

Strengths

Explicit state commitment

Comprehensive approach to the reform

Administration responsible for LLL

Launched statistics and surveys on LLL

Better dialogue with business world

Coordinated efforts with EU countries

LLL in BulgariaLLL in BulgariaSWOTSWOT

Weaknesses

Still lack of unified LLL cultureNot encompassed all human and financial resourcesLegislation is not fully oriented to LLLOverlooked by employers (M and S)Missing overall information campaign

LLL in BulgariaLLL in BulgariaSWOTSWOT

OpportunitiesInvolving fully all stackeholdersAs much as possible information through all information sourcesSharing experience between countriesGovernmental incentives for LLL implementation on programs/projects basisSchools assisting for creating LLL culture from earliest education experience

LLL in BulgariaLLL in BulgariaSWOTSWOT

ThreatsMisunderstanding of the leading role of the LLL at the level of education providersLack of motivation at individual levelFormal acceptance and application of the main LLL instrumentsFast changes of labour force embarrassing statisticsShortage of finances for fully comprehensive and sustainable information campaign

And still …And still …initium dimidium factiinitium dimidium facti

Thank you for your attention!Thank you for your attention!