This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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European ties to shape education
24/09/2003
A co-operative federation
of European regions for lifelong learning will help enhance
lifelong learning in Scotland, according to Deputy Lifelong
Learning Minister Lewis Macdonald.
Mr Macdonald was at the General
Assembly of the European Association of Regional and Local
Authorities for Lifelong Learning (EARLALL)
in Cardiff to officially join the
organisation.
EARLALL is a co-operative federation
of European regions with a particular interest in lifelong
learning.
Scotland was invited to
join by EARLALL President Paulo Benesperi,
the Lifelong Learning Minister
forTuscany, following a meeting in June with Mr
Macdonald.
EARLALL is currently participating in
a number of EU funded projects, including the Leonardo da
Vinci programme, which seeks to enhance the quality and
access to vocational training across the EU.
Mr Macdonald said:
"Every Scot must be given the
opportunity to be the very best that they can be if we are
to achieve a Smart, Successful Scotland. Learning is key to
this.
"We now live in a global economy - it
makes sense to ensure that learning practices and
experience are shared internationally.
"EARLALL is an ideal forum to ensure
that the regions
and nations ofEuropeplay their part in
meeting the Lisbon European Council objective to become
the 'most competitive and dynamic knowledge economy in
the world'.
"We have already signed independent
co-operation agreements with many European countries, to
exchange opinions and experience in a wealth of policy
areas. Joining EARLALL can only enhance this work."
Participation in EARLALL
was one of the areas for
consideration under the Action Plan
signed recently
betweenScotlandand Tuscany
.
The EARLALL General Assembly is taking
place in Cardiff from September 24-25.
EARLALL's strategic objectives are
to:
Make recommendations to the
European Commission and other international,
national, and regional bodies handling policies on
lifelong learning
Increase the number of
adults participating in lifelong learning, thereby
promoting inclusion
Strengthen quality and
create synergy in the development of lifelong
learning through co-ordinated activities and
exchange of experiences
Assist regions in developing
strategies, as well as trans-regional networks, to
exchange best practice in the lifelong learning
field