In this chapter, you will learn about vulnerable and educationally deprived groups of adult learners, as well as special support measures for them.

Definition of the target group(s)

Goals of public interest in adult education, as specified by the law on adult education, include promotion of learning and training among candidates with lower educational qualifications and other vulnerable groups, a decrease in the share of citizens without basic or vocational educational qualifications, and an increase in the share of citizens with upper secondary educational qualifications. Consequently, public funds, adapted education programmes and activities to support learning are available to adult students. The resolution on the adult education master plan, Resolucija o nacionalnem programu izobraževanja odraslih v Republiki Sloveniji za obdobje 2022–2030, classifies vulnerable and disadvantaged groups of adults in need of additional support. They are:

• Older adults: strengthening various forms of education regardless of status and encouraging participation in lifelong learning; developing and implementing new models of intergenerational cooperation and the transfer of knowledge between generations
• Younger adults who leave education and training early, and early leavers
• Persons with disabilities, adults with special educational needs, persons serving custodial sentences, and others, regardless of status
• Socially excluded unemployed persons: the long-term unemployed, older unemployed persons (aged 50 and over), unemployed persons with low levels of educational attainment (having completed basic education or less), and young people (aged 15–29).

Specific support measures

The state has set up an equitable system of public funding for vulnerable adult students. Its aim is to reduce the structural and individual barriers which prevent adults from entering education. Financial resources are intended for information and counselling of adults, expanding the educational offer, financial incentives for adult students, and activities to increase the motivation of vulnerable groups in education and learning.

The state provides funds to finance special programmes for vulnerable groups, such as:

• Izobraževalni program za odrasle Osnovna šola za odrasle that leads to the basic education qualification and is free
• Training programmes for jobseekers designed to improve the skills for career planning and employment seeking (workshops, courses, short seminars, and counselling)
• Programmes aimed at young people who dropped out of school (Project learning for young adults)
• Programmes for adults with special needs and the Roma, as well as programmes for success in life
• Slovenian language learning and orientation to Slovenian society for migrants (180 hours), and
• Programmes for prisoners to reintegrate into society; the relevant law on criminal sanctions Zakon o izvrševanju kazenskih sankcij states that convicts should receive education to complete basic education and obtain an occupation.

One set up appropriate conditions for the implementation of programmes: premises and facilities, human resources, information and others. Thus, information support centres, centres for independent learning, knowledge exchange, and centres and for lifelong learning and information points have been established. Financial resources are provided for the evaluation and training of professional staff, etc.

Promotion activities for lifelong learning adequately inform and motivate adults to enter various adult education programmes. Since 1996, promotional events have been taking place during the Week of lifelong learning each year. The Slovenian Institute for Adult Education (ACS) has been promoting the concept and practice of lifelong learning with planning and coordinating these events. The Institute connects various education providers and participants of all ages.

Because individuals from vulnerable groups primarily take part in formal basic and upper secondary education for adults, class sizes may be smaller than for young students. For adult learners with special needs, the matura examinations may be adapted, namely the method of taking exams, exam material, computer aid or use of special aids, and the method of assessment. Students with special needs include candidates who had pupil or student status during regular education or students with special needs (placement decision) or candidates who require special treatment after they incurred injuries, suffered an accident or illness, are colour-blind or have special educational needs approved by the competent institution or medical opinion.

Programme-providers specialised for education of vulnerable adults collaborate among each other and with the Slovenian Institute for Adult Education (ACS), Employment Service of Slovenia and Social work centres to assess the need and adapt the programme.