Brussels, 19/05/2010 (Agence Europe) - In adopting the report by Maria Badia i Cutchet (S&D, Spain) by show of hands on Tuesday 18 May, the European Parliament called for reform of and greater investment in higher education. The report, “Key competences for a changing world: implementation of the education and training 2010 work programme”, stressing learning new skills, especially in information and communication technology (ICT); links between the world of education and the world of work; mobility; lifelong learning; recognition of non-formal and informal training; and tackling social exclusion.
MEPs agreed with European Commission proposals that at least 40% of people aged 30 to 34 should have a university qualification or equivalent in order to meet the needs of a rapidly developing society and labour market. Children should also be taught computer skills from as early an age as possible and enabled to develop their skills in the new technologies as they grow. Links between university and the business world should be developed and more university courses should include work experience in companies. Student and lecturer mobility should not be hindered by any financial obstacles or problems over recognition of qualifications, MEPs say. They encourage learning a foreign language from an early age as a way of helping mobility. Lifelong learning has to be developed to allow people to update their skills. MEPs back the aim of increasing adult participation in learning from 12.5% at present to 15% by 2020. They also urge universities to set up programmes which make it easier for adults to return to their studies. Active involvement of young people in the management of their studies is strongly advised, as are closer links between educators and students. Furthermore, young people from poor or less well-off backgrounds should be able to continue to higher education and not be excluded because of lack of money. “Higher education institutions should become more open to non-traditional learners, students with special needs and disadvantaged groups,” say MEPs. They are also deeply worried by increasing youth unemployment. The specific needs of young people from immigrant backgrounds must be taken into account and they must be provided with an education which facilitates their adjustment to the educational, social and linguistic environment of their host country. Lastly, MEPs note that women are still under-represented in mathematics, the sciences and technology, where only 32% of graduates are female, and say that educational choices are not determined by gender stereotypes. (I.L./transl.rt)