Research by the European Civil Society Platform on Lifelong Learning (EUCIS-LLL) found that currently, there is no general data avai­lable on lifelong learning implementation within the context of the European active welfare. With the Feasibility Study on a «European Institute on Lifelong Learning (EILL)», EUCIS-LLL aims to fill this gap by looking at the sustainability of lifelong learning.

Lifelong learning encompasses different areas of living such as relating to others, self-fulfilment, economy and work. However EUCIS-LLL believes that several points are underrepresented in the overall lifelong learning debate: the support that learning offers to the informed, conscious and discri­minating choices that underpin democracy or the effects that informal learning might have on developing human identity and potential. As a result, EUCIS-LLL underlines in this study, that the implementation of lifelong learning in Europe is a great challenge aiming at the impro­vement of the whole society and a complex process that is worth caring about for the empowerment of EU citizens. There exists a general believe that lifelong learning can be a tool for empowering people through the endowment of knowledge, skills and competencies.

 

What would an European Institute for Lifelong Learning be for?

 

With this study, EUCIS-LLL analyses how an "European Institute of Lifelong Learning" (EILL) could carry out activities to pro­mote lifelong learning, to cooperate with all stakeholders, to compare and coordinate policies as well as looks at the different options for its imple­mentation. EILL is positioned complementarily with CEDEFOP and other already exis­ting and operating lifelong learning related organizations (CEDEFOP, ETF, ILO, UIL, CRELL, etc.). The proposed scenario deals with the specific characteristics of the EILL that distinguish its activities from the one of other organi­sations and may make its contributions original.

The study's general objective is to analyse how EUCIS-LLL can be the base for this European Institute of Lifelong Learning. Current EUCIS-LLL members cover many aspects of edu­cation, training, labour, society and lifelong learning and it is believed that they can provide contributions and expertise that are original, coherent and interesting. Consequently the EILL would be the voice of civil society on lifelong learning and its implementation.

 

EILL mission

EILL's mission would be specified as participating in "the creation of the knowledge society and support individual and collective emancipation and well-being through the development of lifelong learning". The general objective would be "to investigate lifelong learning policies, strategies, systems and practices and to cooperate with existing LLL organisations at local, national, European and international level."

The EILL would consider that lifelong learning is not limited to the economic dimension but extends to the social, cultural and personal levels, intending to be based on the key words: civil society, knowledge sharing, coordination of policies, crossroads of different environments (social, business, civil, academy, public administra­tion).

Topics and thematic areas that the institute should focus are content-related (contribution to well-being, quality of learning, perspectives of lifelong learning) and functional (terminology of lifelong learning, filling gaps, good practice sharing). The final section of this study report proposes modalities of interaction and ways to organise activities as well as three scenarios for the practical implementation of the EILL.

 

 

 

EUCIS-LLL

The European Civil Society Platform on Lifelong Learning (EUCIS-LLL) brings together 20 European networks working in education and training, with the purpose of involving the different actors as much as possible in the dynamics of discussing and implementing the policies and actions of the European Union. It acts as a resource centre and a space for knowledge exchange, facilita­ting cooperation between institutions and civil society organisations.