WORKSHOP

CAN EDUCATION AND LIFELONG LEARNING IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE IN RURAL AREAS?

Introduction by Fouli Papageorgiou

Summer Academy on“The Role of Education and Lifelong Learning in /sustainable /rural /development

Gyor, Hungary, 1-9 July 2006

What do we mean by quality of life?

What improves quality of life?

How can we measure quality of life?

.

Quality of life = standards of living

Is this correct?

Standard of living = level of consumption

Quality of life reflects both material and psychological factors

Indicators of quality of life in rural areas

(according to a study of the European Foundation on the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions)

Economic resources Health and health care Employment and working conditions Knowledge, education and training Families and households Community life and social participation Housing Local environment and amenities Transport Public safety and crime Recreation and leisure activities Culture and identity, political resources and human

rights

and, satisfaction with life…..

A Polish study after the transition showed that education was very closely related with life satisfaction reported by farmers and other people living in rural areas.

How can education help improve the quality of life in rural communities?

The School or rural college becomes the focus of the community

Lifelong learning opens new horizons

The school or rural college becomes the focus

School and community work together to solve problems

The school/college offers continuing education to adults to meet their needs

The school/college offers ICT technology and facilities to individuals and businesses

The school/college becomes a symbol of the community’s identity

Lifelong learning opens new horizons

How?

Folk schools

Third Age universities

Adult education classes

Distance learning

Informal learning

Lifelong learning opens new horizons

What can we learn?

Academic subjects

Skills for a job or complementary occupation

Leisure and culture to enjoy ourselves

Basic skills (literacy, numeracy, computer)

Self confidence

Participation in decisions taken by the authorities

And now it’s time for examples…….