Fourth Horizontal Axis: Public Provision of NFE

This chapter provides an exploration into the realm of public provision of non-formal education (NFE) across Central European (CE) Adult Learning Systems (ALSs), underscoring a discernible trend towards reduced state participation in NFE activities. This development mirrors a global shift towards privatization and market-oriented approaches in adult education and training. The findings indicate that, notwithstanding variations in engagement levels, CE nations uniformly demonstrate a scant public provision of NFE, with public institutions accounting for no more than 10% of total NFE provision. This stands in stark contrast to nations like Finland and Denmark, where public institutions assume a considerably more prominent role. The chapter links CE’s modest public provision to a belated embrace of social investment strategies aimed at bolstering individuals’ skills and employability through state-endorsed programs. Moreover, it observes that CE’s historical dependency on passive welfare measures and the prioritization of youth formal education and healthcare systems have impeded the expansion of public NFE provision.