Izobraževanje odraslih za razvoj lokalne skupnosti: izkušnje čezmejnih študijskih krožkov

The relationship between adult education and local community development is emphasised by the contextualisation of study circles in the cross-border area along the border between Italy and Slovenia. The system of crossborder study circles development is described on the basis of local challenges framed in the theory of human and social capital. The educational model of study circles, well developed in Slovenia, is implemented. New dimensions development and empirical data are provided by the EU project. Monitoring evidence stimulated educational demands of the local community on various levels of activity (training programmes for mentors, study circles, stakeholders round tables) and at the same time stimulated offers as well. The project described demonstrates the possibility of building a local system of study circles linked to local development in the border area via a multi-level approach and the direct involvement of the various stakeholders. The final discussion highlights the importance of vertical and horizontal integration, typical for long-term bottom-up development. The diversity of learning devices and the role of the intermediary level provide a greater degree of creativity and initiative than the formal educational system, but only when it is recognised and empowered by top-down decision making