In Romania at 7 years old, children start their education. Well structured, chronologically graded ‘education system’, from primary school through the university and including a variety of specialized programmes and institutions for full-time technical and professional courses. A real formal education.
There are times when you have a choice. We must not forget about all the information around us: news, internet, TV shows, radio, friends and family. A truly lifelong process whereby every individual acquires attitudes, values, skills and knowledge from daily experience and the educative influences and resources in his or her environment- from family and neighbours, from work and play, from the market place, the library and the mass media. And all of this it’s called informal education and you have the right to choose what kind of information you want to have access to.
To complete all of that, let’s go non-formal!! Any organized educational activity outside the established formal system it really sounds like non-formal education.
It is on voluntary basis, it is not in-formal learning, a structured and planned process that follows learning theories and, the most important thing, it is focused on the participant, on his experience, it has an holistic approach head/ heart/ hands. We must not forget about the flexibility, about the learning process, about the facilitator that it’s qualified to manage the group, to promote non-formal education.
The magic begins with colored paper, post-its, stickers, pencils, exercises, eggs, spoons and straws, paper scotch, glue, scissors, game cards, fun and constructive exercises.
Even if it sounds like a game, a kinder garden for students, adults or company managers, it’s a good way to spend your time, to complete your education, your personal and professional development.
Also non-formal education could be a way to make friends, to see the world, to participate in interrcultural programs or youth exchanges.
Have a non-formal day!