Rationale of the strategy
The concept of learning in the life course is committed to the comprehensive objective of promoting education as Germany’s most important resource for economic success and personal advancement. The document provides a summary and explanations of measures followed by the German Federal Government together with the regional governments, communities, social partners, educational associations and other actors in the field of learning. These measures are embedded in other initiatives such as the High-Tech Strategy, the National Integration Plan and the Qualification Initiative for Germany.
Concept of lifelong learning
The realization of lifelong learning concerns all areas of life. Promoting the motivation for self-reliant learning in early childhood education, school, and vocational and higher education is the precondition for participating in continuing education. Further education should be attractive for all persons in all phases of life so that they can obtain knowledge and competences and participate in society.
Main challenges
- Low participation rate in continuing education compared to many other countries; this is especially the case for people with low qualifications
Main targets and measures
The general objectives defined in the strategy refer to all education sectors and include improvement of educational opportunities for children under six; facilitation of the transition from school to higher education; stronger emphasis on natural sciences and engineering; improvement of opportunities for women, less qualified people and migrants; and consideration of the needs of lifelong learners. However, the measures are focused on the area of adult and continuing education, and pursue the following targets:
- Strengthening the motivation to participate in educational activities: introduction of an ‘education bonus’; lifelong learning campaign
- Facilitating the access to continuing education: better counselling services, formation of an ‘education alliance’
- Improving the offer of continuing education: more local educational offers and opportunities for target groups with specific potential
- Enhancing the permeability and intermingling of education sectors: advancement initiatives, part-time study programmes, consolidation of databases for continuing education in the tertiary sector
- Enhancing integration into civil society through education and the promotion of learning
- Deepening knowledge about the processes and effects of learning throughout the life course
Particular feature of the strategy
The introduction of a financial ‘education bonus’ should promote private investment in personal and vocational continuing education and training. The costs of education should be regarded as investments. There are three components supporting the initiative:
- Changes in the Act for Asset Accumulation
- Continuing education bonus for people with a limited income
- Loans for continuing education for all
Stakeholders involved in the development of the strategy:
Further readings and web links:
Issuing Body
Federal Government
