Adult education development plan: Lithuania 2025 - 2026

ongoing

To align with the objectives of the “Union of Skills”, Lithuania must address several critical challenges in adult education: Low Adult Learning Participation: As of December 2023, only 10.7% of Lithuanian adults aged 25–64 participated in education or training in the preceding 4 weeks, according to EUROSTAT data. This rate is significantly below the EU average of 14.1%. Fragmented Municipal-Level Policies: Adult learning policies at the municipal level are often fragmented, with limited stakeholder involvement in planning and governance. Decision-making processes frequently lack reliance on policy-relevant data and research. In response to these challenges, Lithuania has implemented the Individual Learning Accounts (ILA) model. This initiative provides a €500 ILA credit to employed individuals aged 18–65 who have already obtained a qualification or higher education. The ILA aims to enhance access to adult education and is expected to foster increased participation. However, the ILA alone is insufficient. To create a more robust adult learning ecosystem, this project proposes: - Strengthening Municipal Coordination: Establish and support working groups across municipalities to adapt and implement the ILA model to local needs. - Enhancing Learning Environments: Foster cooperation among diverse learning providers, opening up all available learning spaces for adult education. - Promoting Evidence-Based Policymaking: Encourage a culture where adult learning policy decisions are grounded in research and effective practices. By focusing on these areas, the project aims to increase adult learning participation rates, improve the quality and accessibility of learning opportunities, and build a sustainable adult education system that aligns with both local and national priorities.