Educatie

Educatie is the Romanian term for education, encompassing formal schooling, non-formal instruction, and informal learning. It refers to the processes by which individuals acquire knowledge, skills, values, and competencies and to the institutions and practices that organize and support these processes. Education is both a personal development project and a social institution shaped by culture, economy, and policy.

Historically, education has varied across cultures. Early forms included religious instruction, apprenticeships, and community-based learning. In modern times, compulsory schooling and mass education emerged in many countries during the 18th–20th centuries. In Romania, reforms in the 19th century and the post-1989 era significantly expanded access, diversified curricula, and introduced evaluation and governance mechanisms.

Educational systems typically include formal, non-formal, and informal pathways. They rely on curricula, pedagogy, assessment, teacher preparation, and governance. Formal education occurs within schools and universities; non-formal education includes community programs and vocational training; informal learning happens through daily activities and work.

Goals include literacy, numeracy, critical thinking, and social and civic competencies. Education supports personal development, social inclusion, and economic development by equipping people with skills for work and lifelong learning.

Current challenges include ensuring equitable access, maintaining quality, integrating technology, and addressing the digital divide. Inclusive education for learners with diverse needs and continuous teacher professional development are widely emphasized. Policy reforms and international collaboration influence how educatie is organized and funded.