Nonformele

Nonformele is a term used in Dutch to refer learning and educational activities that occur outside the formal education system. In policy and development discourse, nonformele education or nonformele learning describes organized, purposeful learning that does not follow the formal curriculum of schools or universities. The term is often contrasted with formeel onderwijs (formal education) and informeel leren (informal learning). In practice, nonformele approaches are designed to be flexible, accessible, and responsive to the needs of particular communities or groups.

The usage of nonformele in Dutch is related to, but not always identical with, the English term “non-formal.” In Dutch texts, the preferred phrasing is frequently non-formele onderwijs or nonformele educatie, though "niet-formeel" or "niet-formele" is also used in some contexts. The concept is common in international development, lifelong learning agendas, and educational policy, where nonformele education is seen as a complement to formal schooling by expanding access to skills such as literacy, numeracy, vocational training, and civic participation.

Key characteristics of nonformele education include being organized and typically voluntary, targeted to specific populations (such as adults, out-of-school youths, or underserved communities), and often shorter in duration than formal programs. Programs may or may not lead to formal credentials, depending on the context and the existence of recognition mechanisms.

Examples include community literacy classes, short vocational courses, language and ICT workshops, and adult education programs run by NGOs, community centers, or local authorities. The effectiveness of nonformele education is commonly linked to relevance, accessibility, and the possibility of recognizing learning outcomes through credit or certification systems.