Second Horizontal Axis: Orientation Toward FAE

This chapter delves into the focus on formal adult education FAE within Central European (CE) Adult Learning Systems (ALSs), examining long-term patterns and FAE’s contribution to these trends. The data indicates a widespread decline in FAE participation across CE nations, with Hungary standing as a significant outlier, suggesting a regional decrease in opportunities for certified adult education. This development is in stark contrast to the growth of FAE observed in countries such as France, Austria, Ireland, and several Nordic countries, where participation levels markedly exceed those in CE. Despite Poland’s sustained focus on FAE since the 1990s, there has been a reduction in participation, pointing towards a transition to job-related non-formal education predominantly offered by employers and private entities. Furthermore, the chapter illustrates that the expansion of higher education in CE has largely targeted young adults, overlooking comprehensive upskilling and reskilling avenues for the wider adult demographic. This examination underscores the diminishing significance of FAE in CE, compounded by a lack of social demand for ‘second chance education’ and financial limitations.