Brussels, 22/05/2008 (Agence Europe) - The ageing population and the ambitious targets for developing competitiveness mean that member states will have to fundamentally reconsider their education and lifelong learning policies. Adults should continue training throughout their professional lives to update their skills, given our rapidly changing society and technology. Young people's creativity must be fostered in order to meet the constantly more focused demands of companies. On Thursday 22 May, ministers adopted conclusions on these two points. “Creativity in education systems is the key to the future development of the European Union and its member states. … We need creative schools for an innovative society,” said Slovenian Education Minister Milan Zver. European Education, Training, Culture and Youth Commissioner Ján Figel' spoke of the importance of sharing best practice among member states so that there can be joint reflection on new ways of learning.
Special aptitudes must be developed in young people to allow them, once they become adults, to bring innovative responses to the particular and urgent challenges of today, the Council says in its conclusions on promoting innovation and creativity. National systems have to be reformed so as to offer within their curricula activities that will develop creativity and a spirit of innovation in children. Teachers have a fundamental role to play in developing this potential, and must be properly trained so that they are able to offer innovative learning using modern teaching tools. Schools must be open to the world of work and to business, and also to the cultural world, in order to provide an education that reflects the realities of work and which encourages pupils' personal skills. Increased autonomy for schools was suggested by some delegations, such as the United Kingdom and Austria. Sweden felt that more modern, freer education must not sideline pupils who need a more traditional framework to develop.
In its conclusions on adult education, the Council encouraged member states to make a special effort to increase skill levels among low qualified workers and give adults who did not complete their secondary education a second chance by offering them training tailored to their real needs (information technology, communication and language skills). Apart from the economic and social advantages, such as making it easier to find employment, having access to better quality employment and increased citizen involvement, lifelong learning also brings better social integration and personal development. Systems for validating qualifications gained in another member state are also a way of encouraging adults to continue education. “Adult education is often neglected, but today we are in a very specific demographic situation,” Figel' commented. For him, adult education and training must be part of a long-term strategy. Following the example of the Council, he recommended better use of existing resources and sharing best practice among member states.
Ministers also formulated a general approach on the draft Council and Parliament decision making 2009 the “European Year of Creativity and Innovation”, on the basis of the Commission proposal of March this year. Member states all agreed to be involved in the organisation of this event, in the light of the stated ambitions to promote creativity through education and lifelong learning. (I.L.)