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The Funding Puzzle in Adult Education for Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Slovenia

Author

Listed:
  • Tadej Košmerl

    (Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Marko Radovan

    (Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Danijela Makovec Radovan

    (Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

Abstract

This study investigates the landscape of public funding for adult education for sustainable development (AESD) in Slovenia, focusing on the distribution, types of funding, and their impact on accessibility and quality. This study employs a mixed methods approach to understand the distribution, types of funding, and their impacts on the accessibility and quality of adult education. Data were collected through an online questionnaire completed by 59 organizations providing non-formal AESD, alongside semi-structured interviews conducted with 12 representatives. Key findings reveal a significant disparity between operational funding and that designated for AESD implementation, with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) emerging as the primary recipients of public funds. Notably, project-based funding predominates, raising concerns about the sustainability of AESD programs due to its typically time-limited nature. Public funding is essential for ensuring program accessibility and quality, as it enables organizations to hire experts and enhance curricula. However, the reliance on project-based grants creates instability, complicating long-term planning and program effectiveness. The study underscores the need for systematic and continuous funding strategies to support AESD, highlighting the importance of a cross-sectoral approach to policymaking. Overall, the research elucidates the intricate relationship between funding distribution, program effectiveness, and the advancement of sustainable development education.

Suggested Citation

  • Tadej Košmerl & Marko Radovan & Danijela Makovec Radovan, 2024. "The Funding Puzzle in Adult Education for Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Slovenia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:18:p:8239-:d:1483018
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Emanuela Reale, 2017. "Analysis of National Public Research Funding (PREF) - Final Report," JRC Research Reports JRC107599, Joint Research Centre.
    2. Nunziata Messina, 2023. "Sustainable Development: A Comparison between the Finnish and the Italian Education Systems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-22, May.
    3. Simon Fan & Yu Pang & Pierre Pestieau, 2020. "A model of the optimal allocation of government expenditures," Journal of Public Economic Theory, Association for Public Economic Theory, vol. 22(4), pages 845-876, August.
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