Towards a Dutch (Lifelong) Learning Climate

Lifelong learning has never been an integral part of Dutch educational culture. Nevertheless, after finishing their initial education, almost one-fifth of adults nowadays participate in a (continuing) second, third or even fourth learning path during their lives. As we know, these individual paths can only be successful when they are triggered by the self-motivation of individuals in their particular life situations. In this policy brief, a case is made for initiatives, policy and action that bridge the separate worlds, and consequently purposes, of policy makers, researchers, professionals and, last but not least, the learning adults themselves. This case is necessary because, for almost two decades, the Dutch lifelong learning scene has suffered from continuing unresolved issues. A Dutch (lifelong) learning climate, unlike the existing educational climate, is necessary to overcome these issues.