“The defining characteristic of non-formal education is that it is an addition, alternative and/or a complement to formal education within the process of the lifelong learning of individuals.” – UNESCO
From May 11th to 18th, 2025, we had the pleasure of welcoming two teachers from Portugal – Cristina Maria Balasteiro Lopes and Daniela Alexandra Morais Santos – who work in an Adult Education Institution. Here at JUMP, they participated in a three-day training session focused on Non-Formal Education (NFE) as a transformative educational tool to promote inclusion within the school environment.
In particular, the training aimed to explore how NFE can complement formal education in fostering the development of knowledge and essential life skills, contributing to the broader goal of lifelong learning.
The week began with a series of ice-breaking activities, an essential element of non-formal education, designed to help participants get to know each other and feel comfortable in a new environment. These activities also set the tone for the participatory and learner-centred approach that characterizes NFE. Following this introduction, the session focused on defining Non-Formal Education and exploring its distinctions between formal and informal learning.
The first day also provided space for participants to share their professional experiences and reflect on the challenges they face in their teaching contexts: shared needs and opportunities have been identified to integrate non-formal methods into their everyday educational practice, especially as tools for fostering inclusion and participation in the classroom.
On the second day, we explored the pillars of Non-Formal Education underlying the potential of the experiential learning approach supporting the development of key competencies for lifelong learning. Then, it was their turn to experience first-hand some NFE activities, such as team-building games, reflective exercises, and group discussions, which helped them internalize the principles and better understand how to apply them in real-life learning contexts.
In the afternoon, the teachers had the opportunity to enjoy more outdoor non-formal activities, set in a natural setting which allowed them more body movement, emotional engagement and mindful connection with the environment. This experience made them aware of the importance of creating a safe space where students could feel free to be themselves, feel accepted, and know that their opinions are valued.
The third day began with a focus on reflection and debriefing as fundamental phases of non-formal education activities as well as an exploration of the teacher’s role as a guide through the entire learning process. In the final part of the session, the teachers were guided through seven-step planning to effectively design a non-formal education lesson plan, adapting the training contents to their specific target group.
This enriching experience not only deepened the teachers’ understanding of non-formal education but also empowered them with practical tools and strategies to foster inclusion and engagement in their classrooms.
Author: Giusy Froio, JUMP Trainer
