Self-education communities

Self-education and interest circles are groups of citizens, without legal personality, distinguished by their social activity. [1] Their purpose is to offer shared education, social life and entertainment opportunities for people of similar interest (age) and occupation. Members participate in the activities voluntarily, based on identical or similar interests, often supporting the group with volunteer work. The number of participants is usually not limited. Although the group operates with a stable core of participants, the size and composition of the group may change with time. The operation of self-education communities is not limited in time, nor is it determined in advance. As the length of their activities is not limited, there are no detailed schedules or programmes for the entire period of the meetings. The participants may offer suggestions to shape the agenda. Self-education communities are the typical area/venue of non-formal learning. There are no exam questions to measure the participants’ change of competences; their change of competences is rarely tested. The extent of development may be measured through results and positions achieved in competitions and applications. The leader of the group has outstanding knowledge (competence) in the given area, but not necessarily with documented qualifications.

 

• Creative self-education communities
  Amateur art groups (performance and creative arts)
  Folk art groups
  Creative folk art groups
• Clubs, e.g.
  Youth clubs
  Pensioners’ clubs
  interest clubs
• Study circles [2]

References:

[1] Act CXL of 1997 on the protection of cultural goods, museum institutions, library services and community culture – version in force

[1] GLOSSARY OF TERMS for applications for the title of ‘Qualified Community Cultural Institution’ and ‘Community Cultural Quality Award’.

This article based on the following document: Community development methodological guide