Impact

Connecting for Non-Formal education 2024: Fostering innovation through collaboration and entrepreneurship – a Community-Led Event by eematico

In October, our member organization eematico invited to their second Community-Led Event, “Connecting for Non-Formal Education,” in Bucharest. Over two days, key actors in non-formal education, alongside representatives from the formal education system and entrepreneurs, came together to exchange ideas and explore new approaches to foster innovation and collaboration. With a focus on efficiency and entrepreneurship, participants generated solutions to develop non-formal education across several key areas.

The event was structured in two distinct segments. The first day was dedicated to 14 specialists and 4 business mentors who participated in intensive workshops, strategic discussions, and applied debates, with the aim of clearly defining the challenges and opportunities in the field. The second day transformed the event into a public platform for exchanging ideas and generating solutions, with an emphasis on integrating entrepreneurial perspectives into non-formal education. To guide the discussions and generate relevant conclusions, the debates focused on four main themes:

  1. Identifying challenges and opportunities in non-formal education

  2. Exploring innovative solutions to scale the impact of non-formal education

  3. Identifying business models to ensure the sustainability of non-formal education organizations

  4. Developing intra- and inter-sectoral collaboration strategies to improve the quality and efficiency of non-formal education

The second day, open to the public, began with an energizing activity and opening remarks. Participants, organized into four discussion groups, collaborated with experts to generate concrete ideas and solutions, practical and efficient approaches, with an emphasis on innovation, impact, and entrepreneurship.

Two key moments marked the event: the presentation by Prof. Dr. Jurgen Willems, Professor for Public Management & Governance at WU Vienna, and the final panel, moderated by the 4 business mentors and Prof. Dr. Willems. The presentation explored the differences between efficiency and effectiveness, and the panel synthesized the main conclusions and ideas.

Each day featured a hands-on eematico DIY workshop, giving participants a practical experience of non-formal education in action. Constructing conceptual structures fostered creativity and facilitated a deeper exploration of “Connection and Sustainability in Non-Formal Education.”

The “Connecting for Non-Formal Education 2024” event fostered collaboration and discussion on how entrepreneurial tools can amplify the impact and sustainability of non-formal education. Over two days, participants explored the many facets of non-formal education, including its current state, benefits, challenges, and opportunities for growth, with an emphasis on integrating entrepreneurial principles. They generated practical solutions for key challenges, identified sustainable business models, and highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration in creating an interconnected educational ecosystem.

The friendly atmosphere facilitated networking, laying the groundwork for future discussions and a strong support network.

In conclusion, “Connecting for Non-Formal Education 2024” successfully achieved its objectives by providing a space for constructive dialogue. Participants explored innovative solutions and ways to scale impact, including the integration of emerging technologies and entrepreneurial principles. They identified sustainable business models and emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration. The event has laid the foundation for future collaborations and progress in the field, demonstrating the power of non-formal education.

The event was realized with the support and partnership of NGO Academy through the Community-Led Events Programme as well as with AmpliFY ONG. Other sponsors were: Coca Cola Romania, Eisberg, Organic Life and Nod Makerspace.