nonformal

Nonformal, or non-formal, education refers to organized learning activities that take place outside the formal school system and are not part of the national curriculum. It is deliberately structured to achieve specific learning objectives and is typically shorter in duration than formal programs. Nonformal education is delivered by a range of actors, including governments, NGOs, community groups, workplaces, and faith-based organizations, and often targets adults, out-of-school youth, or marginalized communities.

Common examples include literacy classes, vocational training, language courses, citizen education, and after-school or community-based programs. Programs are usually flexible in timing and location and emphasize practical skills and participatory methods such as workshops, peer-to-peer learning, and project-based activities. Assessment may use performance-based methods and may offer certificates or micro-credentials, though such recognition is not uniformly issued by national education authorities.

Nonformal education differs from informal learning, which is unstructured and embedded in daily life, and from formal education, which occurs within recognized schools and leads to official diplomas. The goals of nonformal education commonly include increased literacy, improved employability, social inclusion, and enhanced civic participation.

Internationally, nonformal education is regarded as a component of lifelong learning and development agendas. UNESCO and other agencies advocate for its expansion as a means to reach underserved populations, complement formal systems, and provide flexible pathways to skill development and personal growth. The quality and recognition of nonformal programs vary by context and program design.