ERGASTIRIA ELEFTHERON SPOUDON (EES) Greece
These are private organisations which provide liberal education. A continuously growing number of them offer educational programmes for adults especially in the field of language learning and computing. Also, in response to growing demand in recent years, large private institutes have been organising adult education programmes, which are of a high standard, but expensive for the participant.
The subjects on offer to adults are mainly in the fields of foreign languages, computing, business management, economics, arts and crafts, social and human studies; also physical education, yoga, folk dancing, cooking - pastry making etc.. Lessons are held in the afternoon or evening, and progress or certification examinations in foreign languages are optional. The majority of the pupils are women and senior citizens, with an income allowing them to invest in learning.
These organisations operate under the laws 9/9.10.35 and 1966/91 as commercial enterprises, so they are not controlled by the Ministry of National Education but rather by the Ministry of Commerce.
In recent years several, about 30, private organisations, operating under the same law have been providing post-secondary education. Some of these are affiliated to foreign universities but the State does not recognise degrees awarded under these circumstances.
Magda Trantallidi
Reference
Reviews of National Policies for education, Greece (1997) OCDE.
