Venezuela

In Venezuela adult education is set up for those who did not receive formal training when they were of school age, but also for those who decide to further their education later in life. Adult education in Venezuela does not have the years of scholarship or traditions of formal education but it does offer a venue for adults to explore new fields and benefit from the acquisition of knowledge.

Some adult educational programs available in secondary institutions. The Universidad Nacional Abierta, founded in 1976, has as its prime objective to train individuals in priority areas of national development by offering distance education. The support materials of this university are instructional materials prepared individually as well as audiovisual materials closely monitored by specialized instructors. The program offers the following areas of study: basic science and mathematics courses; engineering, architecture, and technology courses; social sciences education (preschool and special education); accounting; and administration.

The Universidad de la Tercera Edad (University of the Third Age) also gained some important ground within the adult community. Its prime objective was to teach noncredit and credit courses to adults over 60 years of age. This university was seen as a relevant opportunity for the socialization of the older population, and also as a relevant knowledge provider. In recent years, this university has ceased to function, but there are plans to reopen and expand its curriculum. In addition, some private institutions of higher learning offer vocational courses at a much lower cost than formal education. The most diligent effort to assist this population is done by the central government, which has 597 vocational schools all over the country and an enrollment of 51,656 students. For this type of school the curriculum is very flexible but is generally comprised of courses in administration, mathematics, arts and crafts, music, and so forth.