Around 100 teachers from Flemish adult education protested on Friday morning at the office of education minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA) over planned reforms that they fear will increase course costs and make education more elitist.
The Flemish government intends to raise registration fees for adult education, categorizing what Demir calls “hobby courses” as more expensive, while reducing fees for training in shortage professions.
Trade unions argue that these changes could prevent learners from accessing valuable courses. They dispute the “hobby” label for classes such as adult language education, highlighting their vital role in social and labor market integration. “French and English language courses are crucial for the integration of newcomers into society and the labor market,” the unions asserted.
They also caution that the increased fees will obstruct access to lifelong learning for all demographics. “Even for those who do not belong to a socially vulnerable group,” they stated. Concerns about job security were also raised: “If registrations fall, the job security of the staff will come under pressure, especially in courses that provide clear social value or enhance professional careers.”
Furthermore, the unions claimed that the reform would introduce “a multitude of rates,” leading to confusion and heightened administrative burdens for adult education centers in Flanders.
“We are already one of the worst pupils in the class in terms of lifelong and life-wide learning. By raising financial barriers, this will not improve. On the contrary,” the union front concluded, reports 24brussels.
