The Value of Non-Formal Education in Empowering Communities

Exploring the reasons why non-formal education Initiatives could represent a step forward in the context of formal education as well

by Giusy Letizia

What are we talking about? Unesco defines formal education as one that is institutionalized, intentional and planned through public organizations. It is recognized by private bodies and, in their totality, makes up the formal education system of a country. On the contrary, informal education is a form of learning that is intentional or deliberate, however, it is not institutionalized and it is not structured in terms of learning objectives, time or support.

Over the past decade, non-formal education has become part of the discussion, positioning itself between the two. In fact, it refers to any organized learning activity that takes place outside the formal education system. It is a flexible and learner-centered approach to education that aims to meet the specific learning needs and interests of individuals in a more informal setting. What exactly does this mean?

“Education is a social process”

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First of all, we can say that this approach is strictly connected to voluntary participation, since non-formal education programs are typically voluntary, allowing learners to engage depending on their personal interests and motivations.

Saying it is learner-centered means that it focuses mostly on the learner’s needs, aspirations, and prior knowledge. It aims to create an inclusive and interactive learning environment that encourages active participation and empowers learners to take ownership of their education.

Thanks to the adaptability of the approach, not being regulated by rigid curricula or standardized assessments, it can be described as a flexible structure which focuses on practical skills learning.

The teaching methods which are employed are less formal than traditional classroom instruction. These methods may include experiential learning, discussions, workshops, simulations, hands-on activities, mentoring, and peer learning.

In any case, the most important aspect of this is the inclusiveness that comes with it. Non-formal education addresses the learning needs of individuals who may not have access to formal education, as well as supplementing and complementing formal education systems by providing opportunities for lifelong learning, skill development, and personal enrichment.

Where can this be applied?

Non-formal education can be integrated into various educational settings, volunteering projects, and youth organizations, providing diverse learning opportunities and fostering development among learners. However, it is true that in some fields this approach is applied more actively than in others. As is obvious from the very definition given to this type of activity, it is the more informal settings such as youth organizations and volunteer projects, which appear to be more open to this learning methodology.

Volunteering projects:

Volunteering projects often involve non-formal education components where volunteers engage in activities such as teaching basic literacy, providing health education, organizing workshops on life skills, or mentoring disadvantaged individuals or groups, as well as in projects that focus on environmental awareness, sustainable practices, and conservation efforts. These initiatives often include educational workshops, hands-on activities, and community outreach to promote environmental stewardship.

Make a differrence

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Youth organizations:

These units frequently offer non-formal education programs to develop leadership skills and empower young people to become active and responsible citizens. These programs may include workshops on communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making.

These programs often facilitate cultural exchange, international understanding, and global awareness. These programs may involve language learning, intercultural workshops, volunteer projects abroad, or hosting international students.

Most of the time personal development is the key, focusing on topics such as self-confidence, stress management, career exploration, financial literacy, and mental health. through workshops that aim to support young people’s personal growth and equip them with essential life skills.

Schools:

It may be more difficult to encounter this type of approach from more institutionalized sources of learning like schools and universities and, when it happens, their importance is often put on the back burner.

However, sometimes schools offer non-formal education opportunities through clubs and activities such as sports, music, art, and debate. Also, field trips to museums, historical sites, scientific centers, or nature reserves, are activities that allow students to explore their interests, develop skills, and learn in a more relaxed and interactive environment.

Why is this so important?

It is widely agreed that our educational system does not always provide all the knowledge needed to succeed in modern societies. But, personal and interpersonal skills are needed and are essential for the individual’s development and growth.

One way of acquiring soft skills is volunteering with associations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Learning through action was found to be the most important factor in the acquisition of soft skills. Many researchers and studies conclude that “non-professional” activities like volunteering should be actively incorporated into students’ learning process, making their experience of higher education more active, enjoyable and relevant.

While volunteers of youth organizations and NGOs can have a positive impact on local communities through non-formal education, it is crucial to address the challenges and ensure sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and social participation, for long-term effectiveness and success. It is important to work towards building local leadership and empowering community members to take ownership of education initiatives.