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A master's thesis from Aalborg University

Non-Formal Education and Development in Romania

Author

Term

4. term

Publication year

2012

Submitted on

Pages

74

Abstract

Dette speciale undersøger, hvordan ikke-formel uddannelse i EU’s ungdomsprogrammer bidrager til Rumæniens udvikling. Ikke-formel uddannelse er organiseret læring uden for det formelle skolesystem, for eksempel workshops, frivilligt arbejde og udvekslinger, som udvikler praktiske kompetencer og holdninger. Studiet bygger på Human Resource Development (læring som investering i mennesker og kompetencer) og konstruktivisme (lærende konstruerer viden gennem erfaring). Det placerer ikke-formel uddannelse som en central læringsmetode i et europæisk videnssamfund. Analysen belyser både monetære og ikke-monetære udbytter af ikke-formel uddannelse på individuelt og samfundsmæssigt niveau. Monetære udbytter omfatter bedre jobmuligheder og højere indkomst; ikke-monetære udbytter omfatter overførbare kompetencer, selvtillid, civilt engagement og social sammenhængskraft. Resultaterne peger på, at ikke-formel uddannelse bidrager til Rumæniens udvikling på to måder: ved at forme unges kognitive udvikling (f.eks. kritisk tænkning og problemløsning), som hjælper dem med at forbedre socio-kulturelle forhold; og ved at opbygge og styrke menneskelig kapital gennem læring og målrettede investeringer i unge.

This thesis examines how non-formal education in EU youth programmes supports Romania’s development. Non-formal education refers to organized learning outside formal schools, such as workshops, volunteering, and exchanges, that builds practical skills and attitudes. The study is grounded in Human Resource Development (learning as an investment in people and skills) and Constructivism (learners construct knowledge through experience). It presents non-formal education as a key approach in a European knowledge-based society. The analysis highlights both monetary and non-monetary returns of non-formal education at individual and societal levels. Monetary returns include better employment prospects and higher earnings; non-monetary returns include transferable skills, confidence, civic participation, and social cohesion. Findings indicate that non-formal education contributes to Romania’s development in two main ways: by shaping young people’s cognitive development (e.g., critical thinking and problem-solving), which helps improve socio-cultural conditions; and by forming and strengthening human capital through learning and targeted investments in youth.

[This abstract was generated with the help of AI]

Keywords