The “Education Vision 2040” of the German-speaking Community

Guiding principle

„The education system in the German-speaking Community ensures high-quality and inclusive education for all learners in a learning environment in which they are supported and challenged according to their individual needs and potential, enabling them to develop and feel at ease. “

Development

In order to set the course for this, the Government of the German-speaking Community launched the reform project “Overall Vision – Shaping Education for the Future” within the framework of the Regional Development Programme from 2019 to 2024. Based on a thorough diagnosis of the existing education system, the Education vision 2040 was designed in dialogue with all educational stakeholders.

Objective

The “Education vision 2040” aims to establish the foundation for a sustainable and equitable education system in the German-speaking Community of Belgium.

The objective is that by 2040, through high-quality inclusive educational provision in early childhood and school education as well as in vocational education, educational opportunities for children and young people will be improved and they will acquire the competences that enable lifelong learning, while at the same time optimising the professional framework conditions of teaching and support staff.

A strategic framework for reforms and projects

In the future, the vision will provide the overarching strategic framework for reform measures, educational projects and initiatives in the German-speaking Community.

The Education vision 2040

• on the one hand ensures better alignment with the global commitments undertaken by the German-speaking Community. 
• on the other hand promotes the sense of responsibility among all educational stakeholders in the German-speaking Community for education as a task for society, both with regard to civic participation and to living and working in a globally interconnected world.

Every educational institution has a responsibility towards society in its educational and pedagogical work. This includes the development of personality, respect for people and the environment, openness to the world, and the teaching of subject-specific and cross-curricular competences. This educational and pedagogical work is based on the recognition of human rights, in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of the United Nations, the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, as well as the protection and promotion of language and the fostering of culture and identity.

Established principles define the direction of the measures to be taken, all of which aim to adapt the education system - from data and quality management to educational standards, to the allocation of resources and the initial and continuing training of teachers - to the needs of learners and of the society in which they will live and work.

The education policy of the Government of the German-speaking Community is guided by the Education Vision 2040.

Further details on the development process of the Education Vision

Education Vision 2040 is the result of a development process that lasted several years. Particular importance was attached to dialogue with stakeholders in the East Belgian education system and with citizens during the development of the vision. In 2019, the views of citizens and stakeholders on the strengths and challenges of the education system were gathered through an online survey, several workshops and future forums. In 2020, the Government of the German-speaking Community agreed on a cooperation with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Based on data, facts and numerous stakeholder interviews, an interdisciplinary team of OECD experts examined the structures, the impact of the resources used and the quality of education in the German-speaking Community from an internationally comparative perspective.

Main actors of lifelong learning in the German-speaking Community

• Government and Ministry (preparation of framework curricula, payment of teachers’ salaries, subsidising educational institutions... )
• Primary and secondary schools
• Stakeholders in school-based continuing education / academies for adult education
• The Higher Education Institution (“Autonome Hochschule Ostbelgien”)
• The “Zentrum für Aus- und Weiterbildung im Mittelstand” (ZAWM)
• The Employment Office (ADG)
• Recognised adult education institutions
• The Council for Adult Education (interest representation of the recognised adult education institutions)
• The National Agency for lifelong learning strategy (LLL)

The National Agency for Erasmus+ and Lifelong Learning (LLL) in Belgium is divided into several units due to the federal structure of the country, organised according to the Communities (German-speaking, Flemish, French-speaking).

In the German-speaking Community, the Youth Office currently acts as the National Agency for Erasmus+ (youth and education). It is the central contact point for international projects, voluntary services and lifelong learning in East Belgium.

Monitoring of relevant LLL objectives and policies established by the EU

• At the level of validating non-formal and informal competences/skills: In the German-speaking community, the validation of non-formal and informal skills takes place at the level of dual training (“KomAn” project): People who have extensive professional experience but no formal qualification can have their practical occupational competences certified at the Zentrum für Aus- und Weiterbildung im Mittelstand (ZAWM). If they pass the examination, graduates do not receive a journeyman’s certificate, but they do obtain an official certificate confirming their professional competences.
• To promote lifelong learning,
  • citizens are offered Advice on training and further education opportunities (in addition to the traditional employment and career guidance provided by the Employment Office).
  • Furthermore, the Ministry’s Website dedicated to continuing education provides relevant and up-to-date information on continuing education topics from the region. This also includes special offers aimed at improving digital, language and so-called green skills.