| Switzerland: Mandate for a bill on continuing education as report is published | | Print | |
| Claude Merazzi | 07.11.2009 | National Affairs - Articles [en] [fr] | ||||||||
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On 4th November 2009 the Swiss Federal Council adopted a report on continuing education which was compiled by the Federal Department of Economic Affairs in collaboration with the Federal Department of Home Affairs. The report places continuing education in an international context, indicates measures to be taken and defines the driving principles of reformed policy on continuing education.
A federal bill on continuing education The Swiss Federal Council has given a mandate to the Federal Department of Economic Affairs to establish a commission of experts with the purpose of drafting a bill on continuing education by the end of the current legislative period (2011), which will then be put to a debate and through the consultation process. In accordance with new constitutional articles on education which were adopted by popular public vote on 21st May 2006, the Swiss Confederation is responsible for setting principles to be applied in continuing education (art. 64a of the Swiss Constitution). Furthermore, the Confederation possesses the competence for promoting continuing education and for setting the corresponding criteria. At its sitting on 4th November 2009, the Federal Council adopted a report on continuing education and finalised the application of a constitutional mandate. The strategic objective is a framework law which reinforces individual responsibility regarding lifelong learning, improves equal opportunities in terms of access to continuing education and ensures coherence within federal legislation. The focal point of this law will be non-formal education (education provision that is not recognised by the State, such as some classes and seminars). The commission will be expected to thoroughly examine any scope for increasing transparency, quality and mobility in the area of continuing education. The chapters of the report The report, which was written and indeed delayed for many months by the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, tackles the entire issue of Swiss continuing education. The first chapter (initial situation) explains the main issues surrounding continuing education in the context of structural alterations in society and the economy, describes the international position on continuing education and presents the factors which influence participation in this type of education. The second chapter examines continuing education in the context of the Swiss education system, outlines any particularly Swiss characteristics and on that basis goes on to define restrictive criteria. The third chapter sets forth measures stemming from political expectations and restrictions; the forth chapter summarises the driving principles in applying article 64a of the Federal Constitution; and the annex contains statistical data and relevant information pertaining to finance, as well as a tabulated synopsis of the various regulations which are in place on a federal level, giving an overall view of the many subsidised entities and how they are financed. Large-scale debate and consultation process The publication of this report will spark a significant debate in the next few months amongst the various groups involved in continuing education and in a few years’ time, when the bill is tabled in parliament and the consultation process launched, also within the political parties, unions and the numerous adult education associations, institutions and bodies. Report available in three languages The 53-page report on future continuing education policy for the Swiss Confederation, written by the Federal Department of Economic Affairs in collaboration with the Federal Department of Home Affairs and published in Bern in November 2009 is available in French, German and Italian. It also contains numerous charts illustrating Switzerland’s position when compared internationally. Follow the links provided below. |
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