Andragoški Center Slovenije (ACS) - Slovenian Institute for Adult Education (SIAE)

Who we are?

We are the leading national institution for the development of adult education and learning (ALE) in Slovenia. Our activities encompass research work, development of non-formal ALE, quality and training of adult educators, guidance and validation, as well as promotion and information activities.

Established as a public institute in 1992 and co-financed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, and the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, SIAE has been the driving force for the development of a sound, efficient, learner-centred and equitable system and a linking agent among ALE policy, theory and practice.

Our focus is non-formal ALE and we are advocating for and contributing to multi-sectoral cooperation in the process of providing ALE opportunities for all – with special regard to educationally deprived target groups. We believe that well-developed human, cultural and social capital is what contemporary society needs to foster smart, sustainable and inclusive growth in an atmosphere of cooperation and equality.

What we do?

SIAE drafts professional grounds and evaluations, monitors the development of the adult education system, and provides expert support to ALE decision-makers. On the other hand, we develop various non-formal and formal approaches to ALE as well as programs to improve adult literacy, basic skills and other competences. We are paying particular attention to improving access to ALE by vulnerable groups of adults. In doing so, we are developing the necessary infrastructure to support learning, especially guidance, design models for the self-evaluation of quality and the validation of prior learning, and provide professional education and training for adult educators. The SIAE informs professionals and general public on all of these processes and achievements. Through well-established promotional campaigns, we contribute to the broader awareness and understanding of the importance and role of adult education and lifelong learning.

Our best practices

• National Coordinators for the Implementation of the European Agenda for Adult Learning in Slovenia – EAAL;
• Transnational prison up-skilling and training model – SkillHUBS;
• Trainer-competence for work-based basic skills – Profi-Train;
• Life Skills for Europe – LSE;
• A Toolkit for Developing, Implementing and Monitoring Adult Education Strategies – DIMA;
• Cooperation for innovative approach in sustainable forest management training – CIA2SFM; /
• Guidance and Orientation for Adult Learners – GOAL.