mitteformaalse

mitteformaalse is the genitive singular form of the Estonian adjective mitteformaalne, which means non-formal. It is used to modify nouns in phrases describing learning or activities that occur outside the formal school system. For example, mitteformaalse hariduse refers to non-formal education, while mitteformaalse koolituse refers to non-formal training.

In everyday usage, mitteformaalse hariduse encompasses organized learning that does not occur within the formal curriculum of schools and universities. This includes courses run by community organizations, NGOs, youth work, adult education programs, and other training outside degree programs. Such learning is usually voluntary, flexible in structure, and often focused on practical skills or personal development. Certification or recognition may be available through national qualification frameworks or validation processes, depending on the country and program.

In European education policy, non-formal education is recognized as a distinct learning pathway alongside formal and informal learning. Estonia, like many countries, supports the validation and recognition of non-formal learning and seeks to integrate it into lifelong learning strategies and qualifications frameworks.