Thematic Review on Adult Learning - Netherlands: Country Note
Current adult education policies in the Netherlands should be seen against the background of a slump in the economy, with very weak GDP growth since 2001, turning negative in 2003 (- 0.7%). The ensuing constraints on government expenditure, combined with a drastic policy of tax reduction and austerity on the part of the Christian-democratic and liberal government, explain much of the rather selective government commitment in funding adult education programmes. At present, the social partners seem to be the main promoters of the knowledge society, while the government seems to confine its responsibility mainly to young people, immigrants and welfare recipients (the latter group belongs to the shared responsibility of the government and the social partners).
Long abstract
