Non-formal education is an organised activity that takes place outside of school and focuses on the development of practical skills, life experiences, attitudes and competences. They promote personal growth, autonomy and social abilities. They have a clear intention, structure and methods and are based on a coherent system of values.
Typically, it takes the form of courses, workshops, trainings, leisure and community activities or educational programs for schools and the public. He is typically voluntary, self-motivated and practice-oriented. Non-formal education is always led by a professional lecturer, educator, cultural educator, trainer or other qualified professional.
Education in the 21st century does not take place only in the round, and therefore there is a lack of systematic support for education programmes (SEPs). They should cooperate with outside and cultural institutions which offer quality education and support practical programmes, such as museums, galleries, environment centres or research organisations. Such cooperation helps pupils to better understand the curriculum in practice, develops their competencies and improves the climate of education and the whole school. The link between formal and non-formal education is clearly enshrined in the Framework Education Programmes (FEP ZV and FEP PV), which makes it mandatory for all schools to implement it.
Non-formal education is provided by schools (e.g. after-schools and school clubs with leisure and leisure activities), primary art schools and leisure centres/children’s and youth houses set up by municipalities or regions. It also includes associations and other non-governmental non-profit organizations working with children and youth (many are associated in the Czech Council of Children and Youth), language schools, including language schools with the right to state language examinations, universities, institutions providing education to adults, memory institutions (libraries, museums, galleries, archives), environmental education centers (ecocentres), observatories and science centers. Employers in business education are also important providers.
School groups, school clubs and leisure centres also known as children’s and young people’s houses fall under the Schools Act into so-called ‘interest education’. This is supported in the Czech Republic by the state, regional authorities and municipalities, which ensures its financial accessibility to the general public. Unlike non-formal education, which is more spontaneous and less regulated, leisure education has a clear structure, mentoring and funding rules. In its activities, however, it uses informal and experiential methods of learning, which is why it can be seen as a bridge between school teaching and leisure activities.
The school retinue and the school club build on what children learn at school and develop it in an informal environment. Through play, projects, experiences and hands-on activities, children experience learning in real-life situations, translating knowledge into everyday skills and learning collaboration, communication and meaningful leisure. The school club, especially for second-degree pupils, offers a safe and stimulating environment for the development of interests, talents and practical skills, promotes autonomy and quality peer relationships, and connects learning with real life.
Leisure centers (SVČ) are the umbrella name for houses of children and youth (DDM) and stations of leisure activities (SZČ). These educational establishments together form a unique network that plays an important role in the education system by linking formal and non-formal approaches in education. The JRC offers regular and one-off activities, thematic circles, sports activities, camps and other forms of education outside school. This includes school, pupil and student parliaments, direct support for gifted pupils and students, and intergenerational dialogue activities.
The Elementary Art School provides basic art education. Unlike elementary school, however, it does not provide a degree of education. It may also aim to prepare students for further studies at conservatories and at secondary, higher vocational or higher education institutions with an artistic or pedagogical focus. ZUŠ acts as cultural centers in the regions and promotes lifelong learning and personality cultivation. Unlike leisure clubs (e.g. in DDM), they have a set framework (RVP ZUV), which makes them ‘institutionalised’ non-formal education.
Non-governmental non-profit organisations (NGOs) of various types and orientations are an important actor in the field of non-formal education. This includes youth organisations/associations that work with children and young people on a long-term basis in their free time, environmental education centres, volunteer centres and others. Their educational activities are based on experience education (so-called experiential pedagogy), education for responsibility for themselves and others, education for volunteering, education in the form of direct contact with nature, etc.
There is an extensive network of national, regional and local libraries in the Czech Republic. After establishing a reader's card and paying any fee (most often annual), you can borrow books, magazines and audio-visual materials. Libraries also often offer courses and organize cultural programs.
Memory institutions – museums, galleries, archives, open-air museums, monuments, castles, chateaux and libraries – offer educational programmes that use authentic objects and sources to lively learn about culture and history. Modern programs are interactive, build on school teaching and develop critical thinking, collaboration and relationship to cultural heritage. It serves schools and the general public as open cultural and educational centers.
For faster integration and acquisition of the Czech language, it is recommended to make the most frequent contact with the Czech environment even in leisure time: reading children's books and magazines, watching Czech fairy tales and films, listening to music and audiobooks, but also visiting nature, monuments and cultural events. Specialized organizations also help with integration into the Czech environment, offering Czech courses, tutoring, mentoring and other activities in addition to consulting.
Examples of organisations working with foreigners:
Further adult education is covered by the free trade ‘Out-of-school education and training, organisation of courses, training, including lecturing’. Supply is demand-driven and can be provided by private educational institutions, companies, schools, cultural and memory institutions, non-profit organisations and other entities. Retraining courses require accreditation under the Employment Act or other relevant legislation. Education in these courses does not increase educational attainment.
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