What is learning in non-formal contexts?

People are always learning. They learn from observing others; they learn from their parents; they learn from media; they learn in the workplace; they learn from life. Non-formal learning providers support this “everyday” learning by offering structured and free-choice opportunities for people to explore ideas, to satisfy curiosity, to gain information and skills, and to improve their quality of life. Non-formal learning includes all types of learning outside the formal education system (primary schools, secondary schools, and universities). Non formal learning providers cover a range of opportunities, e.g.:
• Support formal education with supplemental resources, field trips, guest speakers, resource experts, in-service training
• Reach youth outside of school in clubs and camps with strategies such as games, field trips, etc.
• Engage adults in professional development and issue-specific skills and information in workshops, distance education programs, on-the-job training, courses, and conferences
• Offer life-long learning for all through the media, libraries, exhibits, and community programs.
This perspective is one of the outcomes of our three day workshop organised by UNESCO and SCBD in Paris (17 - 19 March 2008).