EDUCATION

 Priority 3: An educated region

Total budget, including the technical assistance funds: 16.29 mil euro (12.84 mil euro ERDF)

The allocation available for projects: 15 mil euro (12 mil euro ERDF)

Specific objective 4.2

Improving equal access to inclusive and quality services in education, training and lifelong learning through developing accessible infrastructure, including by fostering resilience for distance and on-line education and training

Our goal is to build an inclusive and cohesive society through education and culture, thus our Programme supports the following actions (non-exhaustive list):

 Development of extensive and structured language-learning schemes, as a vector for building trust across the border, for creating the basis for future exchanges and also as an employment-boosting factor;

 Development of joint cross-border education and training schemes - on-site in areas where accessibility is not a hindrance or online, using digitised learning tools and methods, if physical presence is not an option;

 Development of cross-border internship or placements and student exchange programmes for young graduates/students. EN 64 EN;

 Development of joint initiatives supporting adult education and learning (LLL), including facilitating learning mobility;

 Development of partnerships between secondary and higher education establishments and businesses, in order to improve the market orientation and the quality aspect of education and offer young students the possibility to train and/or study on the other side of the border. Long-term exchanges are particularly envisaged;

 Development of partnerships between education and training institutions and stakeholders, at all education levels (early to tertiary), to support mutual learning and exchange of practices between teachers and trainers on both sides of the border;

 Development of joint initiatives and actions to support access to quality inclusive education and training, including LLL, to vulnerable or marginalized groups, including disabled persons, SEN ('Special educational needs' is a legal definition and refers to children with learning problems or disabilities that make it harder for them to learn than most children the same age). 8. Joint measures for improving the link between the labour market and the education and training system;

 Investments in the infrastructure of educational facilities (e.g. learning spaces such as classrooms, labs, libraries, workshops, gyms, outdoor learning spaces but also other facilities) for all education levels and educational activities (including remedial and after-school), technical and vocational training and LLL etc.; special attention will be given to promoting accessible and inclusive learning for all persons;

 Investments in ensuring proper endowment for joint learning facilities with focus on digitalization: equipment, tools, etc., especially those that support the development of practical and/or digital skills and remote learning, such as computers, videoconferencing/distance education equipment, VR learning etc.