The National Strategy in Lifelong Learning has been running for 4 years in the Mediterranean Island and it is now time to start settling the accounts. Overall, the results are satisfactory especially on the educational sectors the Strategy refers to: primary and secondary education, higher education, technical and vocational education, and adult and continuing education.

The Strategy, approved in June 2014 by the Council of Ministers, formulates four priority areas for the improvement of lifelong learning including a) access to and participation in lifelong learning for all; b) quality improvement in lifelong learning by strengthening the curriculum, vocational training, guidance and national skills’ development; c) research and development and promotion of lifelong learning; and d) Promotion of employability.

As mentioned on the UNESCO website, the conceptual understanding of lifelong learning is based on the European Union’s concept. The strategy describes Cyprus’ vision of lifelong learning as a holistic approach covering all kinds of formal, non-formal and informal learning at all levels. The strategy is expected to help individuals upgrade their knowledge and skills, change jobs and adapt more easily to change.

The economic crisis and its effects on the labour market, especially among the young people, posed a critical challenge for Cyprus' education and training strategy. Dealing with the rise of youth unemployment, integrating the lifelong learning system into the new structure of the Cypriot economy, developing a greener economy are some of the main targets included in the Strategy.

For more information, visit the Eurydice webpage dedicated to Ongoing Reforms and Policy Developments in Cyprus.