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The different parts of the programme are intended to support one another. The program is funded by the Ministry of Education. The programme targets the existing personnel of folk high schools, adult education centres, summer universities and educational counselling organisations as well as people who intend to work in this field in the future.
Creating a Vision for the Entire Field and organising joint projects
"Non-Formal Adult Education Vision 2005" was published in the autumn of 2000. Three essential areas emerged where future development is important. The sub-project on the recognition and accreditation of informal and non-formal learning is developing means and tools for making everyday learning and learning within non-formal adult education visible and appreciated. Within the second sub-project on educational services for the ageing population there was a survey conducted on non-formal adult education's provision to the senior citizens. The third sub-projext resulted an extensive memorandum discussing non-formal adult education from the perspective of the development of democracy and civil society.
Continuing Education for Adult Educators in Non-Formal Adult Education
The purpose of this training is to develop knowledge and skills and to strengthen the role of non-formal adult education and its institutions in our society. In the autumn of 2000, 10 credit community learning courses were launched, with nearly 200 students participating. Since then new study groups were started around Finland each year.
Knowledge and Competence in Non-Formal Adult Education (VSOP) is a five-year national programme, which was launched in 1999. The work thus far includes:
- Organisation of continuing education for the field of non-formal adult education
- Organisation of research in the field of non-formal adult education
- Organisation of joint actions related to the topics important in the field of non-formal adult education.
Reviving and Reinforcing Non-Formal Adult Education Research
The goal is to create a co-operation network between universities and non-formal adult education organizations. Seminars for researchers in the field are organised annually. Proposal for a research programme has been made in cooperation with different universities. The VSOP programme has also been able to support researchers through grants. | 
