Elukestevõpe

Elukestevõpe, or lifelong learning, is the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge for personal or professional development throughout life. It encompasses formal education, non-formal education, and informal learning, and aims to keep skills relevant in a changing economy and society.

It covers learning across the lifespan, from early childhood education to elder education, including formal degree programs, vocational training, adult education courses, workplace training, community programs, and self-directed study. Learning can be undertaken for career advancement, retraining after job changes, personal enrichment, or civic engagement, and is often facilitated by flexible learning pathways, recognition of prior learning, micro-credentials, and digital platforms.

Policy and provision: Lifelong learning is promoted by national education systems and international frameworks, such as UNESCO and EU initiatives, which encourage access, flexible learning options, funding, quality assurance, and the recognition of non-formal and informal learning. Services are delivered by schools, universities, vocational training centers, libraries, community organizations, employers, and online platforms, using blended and online formats.

Outcomes and benefits: Lifelong learning supports employability, adaptability, social inclusion, and personal well-being. It helps individuals respond to technological change, shifts in the labor market, and demographic aging, while contributing to innovation and economic resilience.

Challenges: Barriers include cost, time constraints, digital divide, and lack of awareness or recognition for non-formal learning. Effective lifelong learning systems require guidance, reliable quality assurance, accessible provision, and coherent funding.