education exchanges support foundation - overview of activity in 2008

EDUCATION EXCHANGE SUPPORT FOUNDATION

Overview of activity in 2008

PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS ADMINISTERED BY THE EDUCATION EXCHANGE SUPPORT FOUNDATION .....................................3 LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMME..............................................................................3 COMENIUS ................................................................................................................................5

Comenius Partnerships .............................................................................................................5 Preparatory visits ......................................................................................................................7 In-service Training ...................................................................................................................7 Assistantship.............................................................................................................................8 Schools Hosting a Comenius Assistant ..................................................................................10 New Comenius activity — the Comenius Regio Partnership .................................................11

ERASMUS ................................................................................................................................12 Erasmus Mobility ...................................................................................................................12 Erasmus Intensive Language Course......................................................................................14 Erasmus Intensive Programmes .............................................................................................15 Erasmus Preparatory Visits ....................................................................................................16 Financing of the Erasmus programme ...................................................................................16

LEONARDO DA VINCI .........................................................................................................17 Mobility projects ....................................................................................................................17 Innovation Transfer projects...................................................................................................19 Partnership Projects ................................................................................................................20 Preparatory Visits ...................................................................................................................21

GRUNDVIG ..............................................................................................................................22 Grundvig Learning Partnerships ............................................................................................22 In-service Training .................................................................................................................23 Preparatory Visits ...................................................................................................................24 New Grundvig activities.........................................................................................................26 Grundvig seminars..................................................................................................................27

NORDPLUS PROGRAMME..................................................................................................28 ACADEMIC EXCHANGES UNDER BILATERAL AGREEMENTS ..............................30 OTHER PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS .......................................................................33

Europass .................................................................................................................................33 Euroguidance .........................................................................................................................34 Study Visits ............................................................................................................................35 European Language Label......................................................................................................37 National Bologna Expert Group.............................................................................................38 Erasmus Mundus ....................................................................................................................39 Tempus ...................................................................................................................................40 Joint projects...........................................................................................................................40 Dissemination projects ...........................................................................................................41

NEW ACTIVITIES ..................................................................................................................43 European year of creativity and innovation............................................................................43 Trademark of Lithuanian Higher Education...........................................................................45

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ............................................................46 DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION ..............................................................................48 PERSONNEL AND MANAGEMENT...................................................................................50 QUALITY ASSURANCE ........................................................................................................51 FINANCING .............................................................................................................................52

2008 was important for the activity of the Education Exchange Support Foundation as many significant changes, interesting events and new experiences took place. In addition to the Lifelong Learning Programme supported by the European Commission, the Nordplus programme which is supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers commenced. This programme is aimed at encouraging cooperation among various institutions of school education, adult education and higher education. We were appointed national coordinators for 2009—the year of creativity and innovation in Europe—and for the first time, we organized the competition for quality projects administered by the Education Exchange Support Foundation. 65 institutions and 71 individuals participated in the competition. In November, ten winners were announced during a formal celebration. They received special prizes—original statues—from the Education Exchange Support Foundation. The prizes are a result of the latest cooperation between the Education Exchange Support Foundation and the Design Innovation Centre of the Academy of Art. In the 2nd semester of 2008, twenty-three 2nd year students of the Faculty of Design at the Academy of Art led by teacher of sculpture, Jonas Gerulaitis, worked on designing statues for the awards. We organized an introductory conference on topics for the forthcoming year, created a website promoting creativity and innovations, and joined partners and colleagues in preparing for publicity of the trademark for Lithuanian higher education, which is due to be implemented next year upon receipt of support from the European Social Fund. Midway through the year, our team moved to a new office. Programmes and projects administered by the Education Exchange Support Foundation LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMME Comenius – school education Erasmus – higher education Leonardo da Vinci – vocational training Grundvig – adult education Transversal programme: language, information and communication technologies; political cooperation and dissemination of results. Jean Monet programme – teaching, scientific research and debates on the topic of the European Union. Euroguidance – vocational guidance and counselling. Europass – unified documents that recognize skills and qualifications all over Europe. Erasmus Mundus – united master’s programmes and mobility Tempus – development of education reform in partner countries. Bologna process – information on creation of the European higher education area. Academic exchange under bilateral contracts – state scholarships and apprenticeships. NordPlus Horizontal – intersectoral and project activities. NordPlus Junior – cooperation and mobility of Nordic and Baltic schools of general education. NordPlus Higher Education – cooperation and mobility of Nordic and Baltic institutions of higher education. NordPlus Adult Learning – cooperation and mobility of Nordic and Baltic institutions of adult education. The Education Exchange Support Foundation administers 16 international programmes of education, and participates in international projects and national initiatives.

In 2008, the Foundation participated in two international dissemination projects, and from next year, together with national agencies of other counties, it will take part in two international initiatives. 2009 has been declared the year of creativity and innovation in Europe. The Education Exchange Support Foundation was delegated as national coordinator for this year.

LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMME COMENIUS Comenius is a programme aimed at secondary school education. The purpose of the programme is to boost the quality of education and strengthen the European dimension by supporting transnational cooperation and mobility of schools. Comenius Partnerships Comenius Partnerships are projects aimed at school cooperation which brings all institutions from countries participating in the Lifelong Learning Programme together in order to achieve common goals. Projects can be bilateral or multilateral; the duration of the projects is two years. The budget for Comenius Partnerships in 2008 amounted to 1,491,000.00 euros. 1,287,000.00 euros were allocated to multilateral partnerships and 204,000.00 euros—to bilateral partnerships. The requested amount for financing all applications totaled 4,060,000.00 euros: 3,516,000.00 euros were requested for multilateral partnerships and 544,000.00 euros—for bilateral partnerships. Received and financed applications for Comenius Partnerships in 2007–2008:

2007 2008 Multilateral Bilateral Multilateral Bilateral

Number of received applications

333 32 233 32

Number of financed applications

136 9 80 13

Note. In 2007, institutions submitted applications for the continuation of projects (100 projects) and new projects (265 projects) according to the revised project financing rules of the European Commission. As of 2008, the duration of all projects changed to two years and the grant was also awarded for a period of two years; therefore, no applications for the continuation of projects were submitted. According to the previous rules, the grant was awarded for a period of one year. Consequently, in 2008, the number of both submitted and financed project applications decreased. The highest number of applications for Comenius Partnerships was received from Kaunas County. Vilnius and Šiauliai Counties submitted 55 applications each. We noticed an increase in interest of Šiauliai County institutions in all Comenius activities. Received and financed applications for Comenius multilateral partnerships in 2007–2008 by county:

2007 2008 County Submitted Financed Submitted Financed

Alytus County 15 5 13 5 Kaunas County 85 38 47 21 Klaipėda County 36 17 28 6

Marijampolė County 11 5 13 3 Panevėžys County 13 5 13 8 Šiauliai County 68 23 50 17 Tauragė County 13 5 9 2 Telšiai County 8 3 8 5 Utena County 18 8 4 1 Vilnius County 66 27 48 12 Received and financed applications for Comenius bilateral partnerships in 2007–2008 by county:


Alytus County 4 1 2 0 Kaunas County 6 1 9 5 Klaipėda County 2 0 3 2 Marijampolė County 1 0 0 0 Panevėžys County 5 2 4 0 Šiauliai County 4 1 5 4 Tauragė County 1 1 0 0 Telšiai County 1 1 0 0 Utena County 2 1 2 1 Vilnius County 6 1 7 1 Received and financed applications for Comenius multilateral partnerships in 2007–2008 by type of institution:

2007 2008 Institution Submitted Financed Submitted Financed

Institutions of pre-school education

16 6 14 5

Institutions of primary education

19 10 7 4

Institutions of general education

264 101 184 62

Vocational schools 19 9 18 6 Institutions of special education

15 10 10 3

Received and financed applications for Comenius bilateral partnerships in 2007–2008 by type of institution:



28 8 29 11

Institutions of primary education

4 1 2 2

Institutions of general education

0 0 1 0

Preparatory visits The aim of Preparatory Visits is to assist school representatives who wish to prepare a Comenius Partnership project in becoming acquainted with future partner institutions, and to present the opportunity to prepare a qualitative project application together, or to participate in contact seminars and find partners. The budget for Comenius Preparatory Visits for 2008 amounted to 65,116.50 euros. The total amount requested for the financing of all applications came to 126,917.21 euros. Received and financed applications for Comenius Preparatory Visits in 2007–2008 by type of visit:

2007 2008 Type of visit Submitted Financed Submitted Financed

Visit to an institution 39 21 31 12 Participation in a contact seminar 51 29 64 40 This year, institutions from Kaunas County were most active. Received and financed applications for Comenius Preparatory Visits in 2007–2008 by county:


Alytus County 2 1 3 2 Kaunas County 22 10 33 14 Klaipėda County 8 6 13 7 Marijampolė County 7 2 3 3 Panevėžys County 9 6 5 3 Šiauliai County 20 13 14 9 Tauragė County 2 2 3 1 Telšiai County 1 1 4 2 Utena County 0 0 2 2 Vilnius County 19 9 15 9 Received and financed applications for Comenius Preparatory Visits in 2007–2008 by type of institution:



4 4 8 7

Institutions of primary education 4 4 6 2 Institutions of general education 82 42 78 43 Vocational schools 0 0 1 0 Institutions of higher education 0 0 1 0 Other 0 0 1 0 In-service Training

In-service Training aims to provide an opportunity for teachers and other pedagogical staff to improve their teaching skills and knowledge, and to become familiar with educational systems and innovations in Europe. The budget for Comenius In-service Training in 2008 was 280,191.15 euros. In order to finance all applications submitted for this activity, as much as 837,198.36 euros was needed. This activity was most popular among teachers of secondary education from Kaunas County. We are pleased to note that the leading counties, Kaunas and Vilnius, which usually submit the highest number of applications, were closely followed by Šiauliai County, which submitted as many as 75 applications. 2007 2008 Number of submitted applications 215 428 Number of financed applications 127 108 Received and financed applications for Comenius In-service Training in 2007–2008 by county:


Alytus County 7 2 14 3 Kaunas County 47 27 100 27 Klaipėda County 19 9 59 18 Marijampolė County 13 6 12 4 Panevėžys County 15 9 35 13 Šiauliai County 30 18 75 24 Tauragė County 7 3 6 1 Telšiai County 4 4 17 4 Utena County 8 4 20 6 Vilnius County 67 39 89 21 Received and financed applications for Comenius In-service Training in 2007–2008 by type of institution:


Institutions of pre-school education 8 5 12 6 Institutions of primary education 6 6 22 8 Institutions of general education 165 106 346 80 Vocational schools 11 4 14 7 Institutions of higher education 7 3 1 1 Teacher training institutions 1 0 1 0 In-service training institutions 1 1 11 1 Institutions of special education 1 1 3 0 Public institutions 2 1 1 0 Other 2 0 17 5 Assistantship The aim of this activity is to provide an opportunity for future teachers to expand their understanding of the European dimension in basic education; and to improve their foreign

language skills, learn about other European countries and their educational systems, and improve their teaching skills. The budget of the Comenius Assistantship for 2008 was 101,020.00 euros. Received and financed applications for Comenius Assistantship in 2007–2008 by teaching subject:

2007 2008 Teaching subject Submitted Financed Submitted Financed

Art 1 1 0 0 Civil education 0 0 1 1 English 17 8 13 8 French 1 0 0 0 German 2 2 4 2 History 1 0 1 1 Native language 2 1 0 0 Mathematics 0 0 1 1 Religion/ethics 0 0 1 1 Other 1 0 0 0 Total: 25 12 21 14 Received and financed applications for Comenius Assistantship in 2007–2008 by county:


Alytus County 1 1 1 0 Kaunas County 3 2 0 0 Klaipėda County 1 0 1 1 Marijampolė County 2 0 0 0 Panevėžys County 3 3 2 0 Šiauliai County 2 2 0 0 Tauragė County 0 0 0 0 Telšiai County 0 0 0 0 Utena County 3 0 0 0 Vilnius County 10 4 17 13

Schools Hosting a Comenius Assistant The aim of this activity is to provide schools the opportunity to accept a Comenius assistant from another European country participating in the Lifelong Learning Programme. Practical training of the student helps strengthen the European dimension in the institution and implement CLIL (Content and Language and Language Integrated Learning), which further supports the learning of other languages and increases the selection of foreign languages in the school. In this activity, grants are not awarded to hosting institutions. In 2008, the number of Lithuanian institutions wishing to host foreign assistants increased by 2.5 times. 2007 2008 Submitted applications 17 42 Rejected as ineligible - 1 Agreed between schools and assistants 8 11 Assistants came 5 6 Applications received and agreed with schools wishing to host assistants in 2007–2008 by type of institution:


Institutions of pre-school education 2 0 1 0 Institutions of primary education 2 1 5 1 Institutions of general education 13 5 37 5 Vocational schools 2 0 8 0 Institutions of special education 0 0 1 0 Applications received and agreed with schools wishing to host assistants in 2007–2008 by county:


Alytus County 3 1 3 0 Kaunas County 6 2 8 2 Klaipėda County 0 0 2 1 Marijampolė County 0 0 2 0 Panevėžys County 1 1 2 1 Šiauliai County 2 0 7 1 Tauragė County 2 1 1 0 Telšiai County 1 0 2 0 Utena County 0 0 1 0 Vilnius County 2 1 15 1

New Comenius activity — the Comenius Regio Partnership The Comenius Regio Partnership—a new activity of the Lifelong Learning Programme—supports interregional cooperation in education in Europe. The main aim of the Regio Partnership is to promote purposeful cooperation among partner institutions. Cooperation is focused on a clearly defined topic that is important to both partners, e.g., difficulties in school management, teacher training, consistent European cooperation on topics of education, integral teaching, violence at school, racism, xenophobia, early leavers, etc. The Regio Partnership consists of two partners from regions of different countries. Each of the partners/regions involves:

• Local or regional authority related to school education; • At least one school; • At least one other local institution directly related to education (for example, youth or

sports club, parents’ and pupils’ association, teacher training institute or another legal entity that offers training services, local employer, museum, etc.).

This year, the Education Exchange Support Foundation organized a special informational event, to which potential submitters of Comenius Regio Partnership applications (units of county governors’ administration or municipal authorities of education) were invited.

ERASMUS The Erasmus programme is dedicated to assurance of quality of higher education, promotion of mobility of students, teachers and other personnel; multilateral cooperation among institutions of higher education and business enterprises, and assurance of transparency and coherency of degrees between higher education and vocational training. Only institutions holding the Erasmus University Charter may participate in the programme. The Erasmus University Charter has been granted to 46 Lithuanian institutions of higher education, 36 of which have been granted an extended Charter that also entitles the holders to organize students’ traineeship placements in foreign enterprises in addition to standard mobility activities. Erasmus Mobility Participants of this programme comprise Lithuanian institutions of higher education and research institutes that have been given the right to organize doctoral studies together with universities, i.e. organize exchanges of students, teachers and other personnel with institutions of higher education and enterprises abroad. The Education Exchange Support Foundation has received applications from 45 institutions of higher education for the organization of mobility in 2008–2009: 18 universities, 26 colleges and 1 scientific research institute. One university that holds the Erasmus University Charter did not apply for the organization of mobility.

Number of institutions participating in the Erasmus Mobility programme in 2008–2009

Distribution by type of institution of higher education

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Universities Scientific research institutes Colleges

Approved mobility applications of 2008 (by type of activity) Erasmus mobility activities Number of

institutions of higher education that submitted applications in 2007

Number of institutions of higher education that submitted applications in 2008

Number of institutions that plan student studies mobility

44 45

Number of institutions that plan student traineeship mobility

23 32

Number of institutions that plan teaching mobility

45 44

Number of institutions that plan staff training and placement mobility

38 40

Approved mobility applications of 2008 (by type of institution)

Erasmus mobility activities in 2008

State universities

Non-state universities

State colleges

Non-state colleges

Scientific institutes

Total

Number of institutions that plan student studies mobility

15 3 15 11 1 45

Number of institutions that plan student traineeship mobility

12 3 11 6 0 32

Number of institutions that plan teaching mobility

15 3 15 10 1 44

Number of institutions that plan staff training mobility

15 3 14 8 1 40

Results of Erasmus Mobility in 2007–2008 In 2007–2008, 44 schools of higher education participated in the Erasmus Mobility Programme. Total preliminary number of mobility participants in 2007–2008: 1. About 2,650 students went to higher schools and enterprises abroad for studies and traineeship. 2. About 1,000 teachers and other staff went to teach, or to be trained, in higher schools and enterprises or organizations abroad.

Dynamics of student mobility

/schema/

Number of students who participated in mobility

Dynamics of teachers and other staff mobility

/schema/

Number of teachers who participated in mobility Planned figures of mobility for 2008–2009 The total number of planned and financed participants of mobility for 2008–2009: 1. At least 2,840 students were sent for studies and traineeship to higher schools and enterprises abroad. 2. At least 1,192 teachers and other staff were sent to teach, or to be trained, in higher schools and enterprises or organizations abroad.

Erasmus Intensive Language Course The Erasmus Intensive Language Course (EILC) is a special language course designed for those who wish to study the more unusual languages of countries participating in the Erasmus programme. Currently, the EILC is established in 23 EU countries, including Lithuania. In winter 2008 (from the budget of 2007–2008), the course was implemented by two institutions of higher education: Vilnius University and Kaunas University of Technology. The winter course was attended by 20 students from seven EU countries: The Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, France, Norway, Germany and Spain. The programme budget: 25,998 euros were allocated to Lithuania for 2008–2009. By 14 March 2008, six Lithuanian institutions of higher education had submitted applications to finance organization of the EILC in 2008–2009. Five applications were selected for financing. One of the selection criteria was the geographical location of institutions wishing to implement the course in respect of the flow of incoming students. One institution from Vilnius, two institutions from Kaunas and two from Klaipėda were selected for financing. Results 2007 2008 Number of submitted applications 10 6 Number of financed applications 5 5 In summer 2008, the course was implemented by four institutions of higher education: Vilnius Pedagogical University, Vytautas Magnus University, Klaipėda University and LCC International University. Vilnius Pedagogical University and LCC International University each had two groups of students, while Vytautas Magnus University and Klaipėda University had one group of students each. The summer course was attended by a total of 71 students from 12 EU countries: Germany, The Czech Republic, Turkey, Italy, Poland, Latvia, Austria, Slovakia, France, The Netherlands, Hungary and Portugal. Kaunas University of Technology will organize the EILC in January 2009.

Erasmus Intensive Programmes Erasmus Intensive Programmes are short-term study programmes with the aim of introducing students to teachers from various universities representing participant countries. The purpose of the activity is to provide conditions for students and teachers to work jointly in international groups, in a specifically tailored teaching and learning environment; and also to look at the subject from a different perspective, and exchange experience about the contents of the studies and methods of study programmes. The target group for this activity is institutions of higher education and studies. As of 15 March 2008, ten applications had been submitted: two—for continued projects, and eight—for new projects. Three new projects, which received the best rating from external experts, were selected for financing. Financing was also granted to two projects continued from the previous year. Results of Erasmus Intensive Programmes of 2007–2008 2007 2008 Continued projects

(2–3 years long) New projects Continued projects

(2–3 years long) New projects

Submitted applications

1 5 2 8

Applications that met eligibility criteria

3 6

Financed 1 3 2 3 Approved projects of Erasmus intensive programmes of 2008 Institution Project name

Financing, in euros

Klaipėda University A BETTER TOMORROW 37,187 euros

Mykolas Romeris University WASPOLSS Tracking New European Ways in Social Policy, Legal and Social Services

Vilnius University INVEST: Innovation, New Ventures and Entrepreneurship in Social Work Teaching

36,650 euros

Kaunas College ILS: Implementation on the (labour) Market of the Lisbon Strategy

36,456 euros

Vilnius Academy of Art Contemporary Past: new forms in memorial building

20,454 euros

Erasmus Preparatory Visits The purpose of Erasmus Preparatory Visits is to facilitate visits to future partner institutions in order to discuss cooperation under the Erasmus programme and conclude inter-institutional cooperation agreements; to visit foreign enterprises in order to discuss future cooperation when organizing Erasmus students' placements, and to meet partner institutions intending to participate in Erasmus Intensive Programme activities. Results of Erasmus Preparatory Visits of 2008 (for the period until 30 November) 2007 2008 Number of submitted applications

9 14

Number of financed applications

7 6

Financing of the Erasmus programme Total administered budget in 2008: 1. 4,478,199 euros (15,462,326 litas) of European Commission funds allocated for implementation of the Erasmus programme in 2007–2008. 2. 13,836,000 litas of additional funds from the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania allocated for implementation of the Erasmus and other EU programmes in 2008. 3. 5,050,000 euros (17,436,640 litas) of European Commission funds allocated for implementation of the Erasmus programme in 2008–2009.

Funding of the Erasmus programme (in euros)

/schema/ Funds of the European Commission National funding

LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMME LEONARDO DA VINCI The Leonardo da Vinci Programme is designed to promote and support cooperation between EU member States in improving vocational training, implementing innovations in educational systems of EU countries and fostering the European spirit. The task of the programme is to train European citizens for the labour market and, considering the needs of enterprises, to assist in supplying the market with a qualified labour force under conditions of increasing competition. By participating in the Leonardo da Vinci Programme, organizations, vocational training institutions, local authorities, employers’ organizations and other public organizations from various European countries contribute to the design of the future vocational training policy. Mobility projects Mobility projects are intended for the mobility of persons participating in vocational training, professionals in vocational education and training, and people on the labour market. Participants of mobility projects can visit any of the 31 European countries involved in the programme for the purpose of professional development and improvement of professional knowledge and skills; furthermore, they may take part in practical traineeships in enterprises, become familiar with novelties in vocational training and the most state-of-the-art technologies, exchange experience with colleagues, etc. The total duration of mobility projects is from six to 24 months. Financed costs include project administration costs, mobility costs and costs of linguistic and cultural preparation of the participants. In 2008, the Education Exchange Support Foundation administered 146 mobility projects under the Leonardo da Vinci Programme of 2006–2008. The total grant allocated to mobility projects amounted to 2,853,660 euros. Proportion of submitted and financed mobility project applications under the Leonardo da Vinci Programme of 2007–2008 by target groups:

2007 2008 Number of received applications

Number of financed projects



Mobility projects for trainees in initial vocational training (IVT)

35 26 40 31

Mobility projects for people on the labour market (PLM)

3 2 14 6

Mobility projects for professionals in vocational education and training (VEPRO)

55 37 51 37

Proportion of requested and awarded grant for mobility projects under the Leonardo da Vinci Programme of 2007–2008 (in euros): Requested grant, in euro Awarded grant, in euro 2007 2,091,566 1,289,586 2008 1,854,246 1,315,547

105 applications were submitted for the competition for funding of mobility projects under the Leonardo da Vinci Programme of 2008. 74 projects received funding. The total grant allocated for mobility projects in 2008 amounted to 1,315,547 euros. Vocational schools were the most active in the competition—47 of them submitted applications for mobility projects. One of the vocational schools submitted as many as five applications; two schools submitted four applications each and two schools—three applications each. 35 projects for vocational schools and vocational training centres received funding. It was refreshing to see that, as compared to the previous year, business enterprises were much more active and submitted twice as many applications for the competition for mobility project funding. Distribution of mobility project applications under the Leonardo da Vinci Programme of 2007–2008 by type of organization:

2007 2008 Institution Number of received applications




Vocational training institutions 66 51 75 59 Companies 5 5 11 7 Associations, non-governmental organizations

13 3 7 4

Public institutions 6 3 5 3 Other organizations 3 3 7 1 73 organizations from all 10 counties of Lithuania participated in the competition for funding of mobility projects under the Leonardo da Vinci Programme of 2008. The highest number of applications was received from the biggest counties—Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda. Grants were awarded to the projects of 52 organizations from nine counties in Lithuania. According to projects funded in 2008, as many as 1,081 participants are seeking to enhance their qualifications abroad under the Leonardo da Vinci Programme, which is almost 80 participants more compared to 2007. Planned number of participants of mobility projects under the Leonardo da Vinci Programme according to applications of 2007–2008:

Participants

2007 2008

Professionals in vocational training (VETPRO) 503 551 Trainees in initial vocational training (IVT) 489 490 People on the labour market 16 40

Innovation Transfer projects Innovation Transfer projects are multilateral projects designed to contribute to the improvement of teaching systems; these projects focus on transfer of innovations in the area of vocational training including linguistic, cultural and legal adaptation of various innovative products developed to suit national needs under diversified conditions. At present, the Education Exchange Support Foundation administers 14 Innovation Transfer projects under the Leonardo da Vinci Programme (prior to 2007—B procedure projects) (in 2006—four projects, in 2007—five projects and in 2008—five projects). The grant allocated for these projects amounts to 3,359,203 euros. In 2008, the Education Exchange Support Foundation received 18 applications for the competition for funding of Innovation Transfer projects under the Leonardo da Vinci Programme, which was seven more than in 2007. 16 applications that met eligibility criteria were assessed by external experts. The five top-rated applications were selected for financing. Proportion of submitted and financed Innovation Transfer project applications under the Leonardo da Vinci programme of 2007–2008 (in euros): Number of received applications Number of financed projects 2007 11 5 2008 18 5 Proportion of the requested and awarded grant for Innovation Transfer projects under the Leonardo da Vinci programme of 2007–2008 (in euros): Requested grant, in euro Awarded grant, in euro 2007 2,507,177 1,171,847 2008 4,179,729 1,164,633 We are pleased to note that colleges and universities—the most active competitors for Innovation Transfer project applications—are being joined by many other types of organization: business entities, vocational schools, training centres, public institutions and other organizations. In 2008, as many as 17 organizations participated in the competition (in 2007—only nine). In addition to an increased number of participants, the geographical distribution has also expanded. This year, applications for the competition were submitted not only by organizations from Vilnius and Kaunas, but also from Šiauliai and Utena. Distribution of Innovation Transfer project applications under the Leonardo da Vinci programme of 2007–2008 by type of organization:

2007 2008 Institution Number of received applications




University 5 3 4 3 College 3 - 5 - Training centre - - 1 - Joint stock company - - 1 - Vocational school - - 1 1 Non-profit organization 1 1 2 1

Chamber of commerce, industry and crafts

1 1 - -

Public institution - - 2 - Other organizations 1 - 2 - Partnership Projects

A Partnership Project creates a framework for cooperation activities between vocational education and training institutions from countries participating in the Lifelong Learning Programme. By participating in a Partnership Project, the parties seek mutual benefit. The duration of a Partnership Project is two years. The competition for Partnership Projects under the Leonardo da Vinci programme was organized for the first time in 2008. The Education Exchange Support Foundation received as many as 76 Partnership Project applications: 11 applications for projects to be coordinated by Lithuanian organizations and 65 applications for projects where Lithuanian organizations intended to be partners. The 16 top-rated applications were selected for financing: three projects coordinated by Lithuanian organizations and 13 projects where Lithuanian organizations perform the role of partners. The European Commission allocated 197,000 euros for the financing of Partnership Projects in Lithuania in 2008. Proportion of submitted and financed Partnership Project applications under the Leonardo da Vinci programme of 2008 Year Number of received applications Number of financed projects 2008 76 16 Proportion of the requested and awarded grant for Partnership Projects under the Leonardo da Vinci programme of 2008 (in euros): Requested grant, in euro Awarded grant, in euro 2008 923,000 197,000 The most active participants in the competition for Partnership Projects under the Leonardo da Vinci programme in 2008 were vocational schools, with 28 project applications; and colleges, with 17 applications. 58 organizations from nine counties of Lithuania participated in the competition. The majority of applications were received from Kaunas and Šiauliai. Distribution of submitted Leonardo da Vinci programme applications and financed projects in 2008 by type of organization:

2008 Institution Number of received applications


Enterprises 5 1 Universities 8 2 Associations 4 0 Other 14 3 Colleges 17 4 Vocational training institutions 28 6

Preparatory Visits The aim of Preparatory Visits is to participate in contact seminars organized by foreign national agencies or to meet potential project partners from abroad who are seeking to establish a new Mobility, Innovation Transfer or Partnership Project under the Leonardo da Vinci programme. In 2008, the Education Exchange Support Foundation received 73 applications for grants for preparatory visits. 37 applications were approved for financing and allocated 36,425 euros; 31 applications were for contact seminars and six—for Preparatory Visits. In 2008, the highest number of applications for Leonardo da Vinci Preparatory Visits was received from Vilnius and Kaunas Counties. 12 of the financed Preparatory Visits were intended for preparation of partnership and transfer of innovation projects, and five—for mobility projects; other beneficiaries of the grant planned several projects under the Leonardo da Vinci programme. Proportion of submitted and financed applications for Preparatory Visits under the Leonardo da Vinci programme of 2007–2008

2008 Year Number of received applications Number of financed projects

2007 87 34 2008 73 37 Proportion of the requested and awarded grant (in euro) for Preparatory Visits under the Leonardo da Vinci programme of 2007–2008 Requested grant, in euro Awarded grant, in euro 2007 85,399 25,884 2008 48,923 36,426

LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMME GRUNDVIG The purpose of the Grundvig programme is to improve the quality of adult education and access to adult education by supporting collaboration and mobility of institutions working in adult education. Grundvig Learning Partnerships The purpose of Grundvig Learning Partnerships is to improve the process of adult education according to EU standards. The programme includes small-scale, two-year projects aimed at collaboration of various organizations involved in adult education (in its broadest sense). The budget for Grundvig Learning Partnerships for 2008 was 577,000.00 euros. The amount requested in all submitted applications totalled 1,556,500.00 euros. Received and financed applications for Grundvig Learning Partnerships of 2007–2008 2007 2008 Number of received applications 132 105 Number of financed applications 58 39 Note. In 2007, institutions submitted applications for the continuation of projects (47 projects) and for new projects according to the revised financing rules of the European Commission (85 projects). As of 2008, the duration of all projects changed to two years; the grant is also awarded for two years; therefore, there are no more project continuations. According to the previous rules, the grant was only awarded for one year. In 2008, the number of submitted applications for Grundvig Learning Partnerships considerably increased. The Education Exchange Support Foundation received a total of 105 applications from Lithuanian institutions of adult education. The highest number of applications was received from Vilnius County – 34, Kaunas County – 23, Šiauliai County – 12, Klaipėda County – 10 and Alytus County – 10. Received and financed applications for Grundvig Learning Partnerships of 2007–2008 by county:


Alytus County 9 3 10 4 Kaunas County 20 9 23 5 Klaipėda County 10 5 10 4 Marijampolė County 2 2 1 1 Panevėžys County 5 22 5 2 Šiauliai County 12 5 12 3 Tauragė County 1 1 - - Telšiai County 8 1 7 4 Utena County 6 5 3 1 Vilnius County 59 24 34 16

This year saw the highest number of applications from providers of adult education, i.e. institutions focused on adult education. These institutions submitted 24 project applications. Non-governmental organizations were also fairly active and submitted 22 applications for Grundvig Learning Partnerships. Received and financed applications for Grundvig Learning Partnerships of 2007–2008 by type of institution:


Adult learners’ association 0 0 1 1 Parents’ association 1 0 1 0 Provider of adult education 25 10 24 9 Library 1 0 2 2 Secondary school of general education 10 9 5 1 Vocational school 11 1 7 6 Institution for learners with special educational needs

1 0 3 0

University or other higher school 20 8 15 2 Non-profit institution 21 10 9 4 Cultural organization (e.g. museum, art gallery)

2 0 2 1

Non-governmental organizations 28 13 22 11 Enterprise or organization in the private sector

2 1 4 1

Public institution 10 5 2 1 Correctional institution 0 0 1 0 Institution of scientific research 1 0 0 0 Other 0 0 7 1 In-service Training The purpose of this activity is to provide an opportunity for teachers, adult educators and other persons involved in adult education to participate in European in-service training courses. The budget for Grundvig In-service Training in 2008 was 75,245.47 euros. The total funds requested for financing these activities amounted to 180,387.24 euros. 2007 2008 Number of received applications 98 90 Number of financed applications 41 32 This year, institutions of adult education from Klaipėda County were more active than they were in 2007; however, the activity of institutions from Kaunas County decreased. The activity of non-governmental organizations participating in Grundvig In-service Training increased. Received and financed applications for Grundvig In-service Training of 2007–2008 by county:


Alytus County 3 1 0 0 Kaunas County 18 10 14 6 Klaipėda County 12 4 18 9 Marijampolė County 0 0 0 0 Panevėžys County 3 1 1 0 Šiauliai County 6 1 8 5 Tauragė County 2 1 1 0 Telšiai County 0 0 1 1 Utena County 2 1 0 0 Vilnius County 52 22 47 11 Received and financed applications for Grundvig In-service Training of 2007–2008 by type of institution:


Provider of adult education 6 6 7 2 Secondary school of general education 1 1 4 0 Vocational school 4 2 7 1 University or other higher school 41 16 40 15 Non-governmental organization 8 5 19 7 Enterprise or organization in the private sector

66 3 2 0

Public institution 28 7 10 6 Institution of scientific research 4 1 1 1 Preparatory Visits

The purpose of this activity is to help institutions of adult education interested in implementing a Grundvig Learning Partnership project to become acquainted with potential partner institutions, and offer opportunities to prepare projects together. The budget of Grundvig Preparatory Visits for 2008 was 18,426.50 euros. The total amount needed for the financing of all applications was 69,399.15 euros. In 2008, institutions of adult education from Kaunas County that wished to initiate Grundvig Learning Partnerships in the future were the most active and therefore, they submitted applications for Grundvig Preparatory Visits aimed at meeting partners and discussing future projects, or participating in contact seminars and finding new partners.

2007 2008 Submitted Financed Submitted Financed

Visit to an institution 5 3 5 3 Participation in a contact seminar 34 19 39 15 Received and financed applications for Grundvig Preparatory Visits of 2007–2008 by county:


Alytus County 3 2 2 1

Kaunas County 5 4 5 2 Klaipėda County 2 0 4 2 Marijampolė County 0 0 2 0 Panevėžys County 5 4 11 1 Šiauliai County 7 4 2 2 Tauragė County 0 0 0 0 Telšiai County 0 0 1 1 Utena County 3 1 4 2 Vilnius County 14 7 23 7 Received and financed applications for Grundvig Preparatory Visits of 2007–2008 by type of institution:


Adult learners’ association Parents’ association Provider of adult education 15 7 11 5 Library 1 1 0 0 Secondary school of general education

Vocational school 2 2 5 1 Institution for learners with special educational needs

University or other higher school 8 4 9 3 Non-profit institution Cultural organization (e.g. museum, art gallery)

0 0 1 1

Non-governmental organization 3 2 10 4 Enterprise or organization in the private sector

3 2 2 1

Public institution 5 3 3 2 Correctional Institution Institution of scientific research 0 0 1 0 Local community 2 1 2 1

New Grundvig activities This year, the Education Exchange Support Foundation organized informational events where potential promoters of new Grundvig activities were invited. The events were also aimed at spreading information on new possibilities for adult educators. The following new activities for the Grundvig programme were presented: Grundvig visits for adult education professionals The aim of Grundvig Visits for Adult Education Professionals—a new Grundvig programme—is to improve the quality of adult education. This activity is an excellent opportunity for those who work or plan to work in the sphere of formal, informal or self-education of adults; for those who plan to go to another country participating in the Lifelong Learning Programme; and for those who wish to become more familiar with adult education in Europe and (depending on the aim of the visit) to improve their teaching, counseling and managerial skills and share experience with colleagues abroad. Participants of Grundvig Visits for Adult Education Professionals can receive funding for the following activities:

• Participation in a European conference or seminar including European conferences of Grundvig Learning Partnerships;

• Observation of work in foreign institutions of adult education. Grundvig Assistantship The Grundvig Assistantship provides an opportunity for present or future professionals of formal, informal and self-education of adults to go to another European country (another member of the Lifelong Learning Programme) for a period of 12–45 weeks. Assistants carry out work in institutions or organizations of adult education. The aim of the programme is to provide an opportunity to realize the European dimension of adult education, to improve foreign language skills, to get to know other European countries and their educational systems, and improve professional and cultural skills. This programme can be useful:

• For all learners; • For those who wish to enhance their qualifications in the sphere of adult education

management; • For adults with special educational needs; • For preparing presentations of the assistant’s home country and learning in the

assistant’s native language; • For strengthening the European dimension within the institution hosting the assistant; • For preparing and implementing projects.

Grundvig Senior Voluntary Projects This activity is open to all citizens aged 50 or over, from any countries that are implementing the Lifelong Learning Programme. Particular consideration is given to socially disadvantaged groups and national minorities. Voluntary projects support non-profit organizations or social initiatives, and encourage cooperation between volunteers delegating and hosting organizations. Delegation and hosting of volunteers is permitted to any organization that has been assessed as having the capacity to

do so. However, it is necessary to note that any activities to be implemented by volunteers should not seek profit and should provide learning possibilities for the volunteers. Selection of volunteers is carried out by the national agency of their home country. The aims of Grundvig Senior Voluntary Projects:

• To help older people get involved in non-profit activities in other European countries; • Through the cooperation of volunteers, to establish long-term cooperation between

hosting and delegating organizations aimed at discussing certain issues or working with certain target groups;

• To help participants of volunteer exchanges and members of local communities to realize their potential and enable them to become valuable citizens with knowledge, skills and experience.

The voluntary period abroad is from three to eight weeks. Grundvig seminars The purpose of Grundvig seminars is to provide an opportunity for adult learners to participate in learning activities in other European countries (members of the Lifelong Learning Programme). This is a new form of mobility offered to adult learners by the Grundvig sub-programme of the Lifelong Learning Programme. The seminars join individual learners, or small groups of learners, from different countries in sharing their international learning experience which is necessary in order to fulfil their personal development needs. During seminars, learners are encouraged to share their knowledge and ideas. The number of participants for each seminar varies between 10 and 20. Grundvig seminars can be organized on various topics. All adults that are selected by the organizer of the seminar, and are citizens of any member state participating in the Lifelong Learning Programme, are eligible for this activity. Particular consideration is given to socially disadvantaged groups and national minorities. Anyone wishing to participate in a seminar should apply individually, or as part of a small group, directly to the organizer of the seminar and to the local national agency. The Grundvig grant is awarded for organization of seminars and compensation for learners’ costs including traveling and subsistence costs. This activity is open to all institutions wishing to provide these services.

NORDPLUS PROGRAMME General Nordplus programme 2008–2011 In 2008, for the first time, Lithuanian educational institutions had the possibility to participate in the General Nordplus Programme intended for the cooperation of Nordic and Baltic countries. This programme supports mobility, as well as project and network activities and is open to all institutions and organizations working or specializing in the sphere of education and lifelong learning. The General Nordplus Programme involves five Nordic countries, three autonomous Nordic areas and three Baltic countries. The General Nordplus Programme is made up of four sub-programmes focused on different target groups in schools, as well as higher and adult education. The Nordplus Junior sub-programme is aimed at cooperation and mobility of general education schools in Nordic and Baltic countries. This sub-programme aims to support projects and networks for improvement of quality and implementation of innovations in education. The total budget for the Nordplus Junior sub-programme for 2008 was 2,141,723.00 euros. Applications submitted to the Nordplus Junior sub-programme totaled 350, 224 of which were approved for funding. Lithuanian institutions submitted 20 applications for projects where they intended to be coordinators, 12 of which were approved. Lithuanian institutions participate as partners in 19 of the approved projects under the Nordplus Junior sub-programme. The Nordplus Higher Education sub-programme supports cooperation and mobility of institutions of higher education in Nordic and Baltic countries. This sub-programme aims at strengthening relations between higher schools within the region in order to enable students and teachers to benefit from sharing knowledge and good practice. The total budget for the Nordplus Higher Education sub-programme in 2008 was 3,873.70 euros. Applications submitted to the Nordplus Higher Education sub-programme totaled 301, 191 of which were approved for funding. Lithuanian institutions submitted 10 applications for projects where they intend to act as coordinators, three of which were approved. Lithuanian institutions participate as partners in 34 of the approved projects under the Nordplus Higher Education sub-programme. The Nordplus Adult Learning sub-programme is aimed at cooperation and mobility of institutions of adult education in Nordic and Baltic countries. This sub-programme aims at improving quality and implementing innovations in adult education; and developing formal, informal and self-education in adults. The total budget of the Nordplus Adult Learning sub-programme for 2008 was 1,070,862.00 euros. Applications submitted for the Nordplus Adult Learning sub-programme totaled 105, 43 of which were approved for funding. Lithuanian institutions submitted 10 applications for projects where they intend to act as coordinators, six of which were approved. Lithuanian institutions participate as partners in nine of the approved projects under the Nordplus Adult Learning sub-programme. The Nordplus Horizontal transversal sub-programme supports cross-sector and project activities: work groups, experience sharing seminars, conferences, research, statistical projects, valorization of research projects, creation of innovative courses and models, creation of innovative language teaching and learning tools, dissemination of good practice, etc.

Comment [J. K.1]: Ar cia tikrai tokia suma???

The total budget for the Nordplus Horizontal sub-programme for 2008 was 891,173.00 euros. Applications submitted for the Nordplus Horizontal sub-programme totaled 46, 21 of which were approved for funding. Lithuanian institutions submitted nine applications for projects where they intend to act as coordinators, three of which were approved. Lithuanian institutions participate as partners in five of the approved projects under the Nordplus Horizontal sub-programme. In 2008, particular consideration was given to dissemination of information regarding the programme. In February 2008, two seminars General Nordplus Programme—Open Day for Project Promoters were organized in Kaunas and Vilnius. The seminars were targeted at potential participants of the programme. In October 2008, a seminar was organized for beneficiaries of the programme grant, which focused on project finance management and discussion of other relevant matters. In November 2008, two seminars on preparation of project applications were organized in Vilnius and Kaunas. Information on the potential benefits of the programme is also being spread during other events organized by the Education Exchange Support Foundation. In order to make the programme more widely known, a number of advertisements were published, including 1) Nordplus poster; 2) informational postcard; 3) informational booklets about the programme and all four sub-programmes; 4) electronic compendium of projects financed in 2008, which are currently being coordinated by Lithuanian institutions. In 2008, Lithuanian institutions submitted applications for the first time. Despite all the initial challenges faced during the first year, we are proud to have achieved positive results—financing was awarded to 91 projects relating to Lithuanian institutions.

Results of the request to submit applications for the General Nordplus Programme of 2008* General information Nordplus

Junior Nordplus Adult

Nordplus Higher Education

Nordplus Horizontal

Total

Number of submitted applications where Lithuanian organizations participate as coordinators

20 10 10 9 49

Number of approved applications where Lithuanian organizations participate as coordinators

12 6 3 3 24

Number of approved applications with partner organizations from Lithuania

19 9 34 5 67

Number of approved applications with coordinating and partner organizations from Lithuania

31 15 37 8 91

* The number of applications where Lithuanian institutions participate as partners is not known.

Academic Exchanges under Bilateral Agreements Bilateral cooperation agreements encourage countries to conclude agreements or contract implementation programmes among ministries of the establishment for certain exchange mechanisms, quotas, financial conditions and organization of the contingent of participants for future exchanges. Such agreements and programmes of exchange help to highlight the commitment to support participation of scientists in joint projects and programmes, and encourage direct relations between science and study institutions. The Government and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania have signed international cooperation agreements in the field of culture, education, science and sport, with 37 other countries: Belarus, Belgium (Flemish Region and Walloon Region), Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, India, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Israel, Great Britain, Montenegro, China, Latvia, Poland, Mexico, Mongolia, France, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, Turkey, the Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Hungary and Germany. Programmes of academic exchange with Japan and Switzerland are renewed every year. Citizens of the Republic of Lithuania In 2008, the Education Exchange Support Foundation announced 19 competitions for study and research placements in the following countries: Denmark, Belarus, Japan (studies of Japanese philology and bachelor and post-graduate studies), Iceland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Belgium (Flemish Region and Walloon Region), Latvia, Hungary, China, Mexico, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Israel and Germany. In 2008–2009, 88 citizens of the Republic of Lithuania submitted applications for studies and research placements abroad. The Education Exchange Support Foundation concluded study-research placement agreements with 39 citizens of the Republic of Lithuania.

Chart 1. Number of state scholarships awarded to citizens of the Republic of Lithuania for study and research placements abroad in 2008–2009, by country: Hungary Switzerland Russia Mexico Poland Latvia China Japan** Israel* Italy Iceland Estonia Denmark The Czech Republic Belgium (Wallonia) Belgium (Flanders) Belarus Submitted applications Awarded scholarships * – final approval from foreign coordinators has not yet been received. ** – applications submitted in 2007. Chart 2. Number of citizens of the Republic of Lithuania who concluded agreements with the Education Exchange Support Foundation in 2008–2009, by country. Germany Hungary Switzerland Poland Latvia China Israel Italy Denmark The Czech Republic Belgium

Foreign citizens In 2008–2009, 129 foreign citizens submitted applications for studies and research placements in Lithuania. State scholarships were awarded to 86 applicants from 16 countries: 41 students for the summer language and culture course, 32 students for studies of Lithuanian (Baltic) philology, two students for studies of economics; and 11 researchers acquired research placements. Chart 3. Number of participants of the summer language and culture course in 2008, by country. Hungary Ukraine Turkey Finland Russia Romania Poland Latvia Estonia The Czech Republic Chart 4. Number of foreign citizens participating in studies of Lithuanian (Baltic) philology in 2008–2009, by country. Germany Russia Poland Latvia USA Chile The Czech Republic Brazil Austria Chart 5. Number of foreign citizens participating in research placements in 2008–2009 by country. Hungary Poland The Czech Republic Belarus

OTHER PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS Europass The purpose of the Europass project in Lithuania is to encourage the use of Europass documents which help facilitate people in gaining employment, going on traineeships or continuing studies either at home or in another EU country. The main activity of the Europass project is related to information and presentation of Europass documents, and dissemination of information regarding the benefits of these documents to potential target groups. Therefore, every year, the Education Exchange Support Foundation prepares informational publications regarding Europass documents. The Education Exchange Support Foundation also participates in various events where it is possibile to promote the Europass project, and performs other information, dissemination and counseling activities. In order to promote the Europass project in 2008, most Europass publications and products were presented using a new method and involving a new character—the symbol of the project. Main activities 2007 2008 (eleven months) Events 25 26 Publications, promotional and other products 12 13 Telephone and e-mail consultations - ~1670 times Other activities (articles, promotional campaign) 4 5

OTHER PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS

Euroguidance In 2008 the Education Exchange Support Foundation, which administers the Euroguidance project in Lithuania, updated, prepared and published methodical publications (Career Guidebook 2008; Professional Counseling Methods I; Seek-Plan-and-Act, etc.), and informational films on professions and other measures; it also organized training sessions and informational seminars for professional guidance specialists. In 2008, employees of the Education Exchange Support Foundation spared no effort in the strengthening of international cooperation and international activity. In 2008, a representative of the Education Exchange Support Foundation together with representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Social Security and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania joined the European Lifelong Guidance Policy Network activities which include: work groups, preparation of information on lifelong guidance, etc. In June 2008, the CH-Q skills assessment method was presented to Lithuanian professional guidance specialists. By invitation of the initiators of the Euroguidance project in Lithuania, theoretical and practical seminars were conducted by Dutch specialists Peter van Deursen (Euroguidance the Netherlands, consultant) and Rena Punt (CINOP, assessor). 12 people participated in the training course. Certified professional guidance specialists together with representatives of the Education Exchange Support Foundation and Dutch experts are planning to support the continuation of this method in Lithuania in 2009. Main activities 2007 2008 (eleven months) Events 25 23 Methodical publications and other products and publications (films on professions)

13 15

Other activities (articles, promotional campaigns) 10 5

OTHER PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS Study Visits Study Visits are visits conducted by vocational training specialists and decision makers in education; their aim is to facilitate international exchange of information and experience. The purpose of the programme is to support policy development and cooperation in lifelong learning at the European level, and in particular—in the context of the Lisbon Process, the programme of Education and Teaching 2010, the Bologna and Copenhagen Processes and further processes within the programme. After the merger of the programmes of the Arion and Cedefop Study Visits on 1 January 2008, it became the first year for joint visits of the consolidated Study Visits programme to be tailored for both educational and vocational training specialists. In 2008, three study visits were organized in Lithuania: Pedagogical-psychological Support System and Education of Children with Special Needs in Lithuania (organized by the National Centre for Special Needs Education and Psychology), Artistic Education as a Tool to Enhance the Appeal of Learning (organized by Saulės Gymnasium in Utena) and The Influence of Evaluation and Self-evaluation on Quality of Learning (organized by the Administration of Prienai District Municipality).

Participants of Study Visits of 2008 The request to submit applications for Study Visits in 2008–2009 was announced, with a deadline of 16 May 2008. During this time, 79 applications were received, 36 of which received financing for participation in the Study Visits programme.

Distribution of submitted applications and received grants by institution

2007 2008 Institution Submitted applications

Financed projects


Financed projects

Schools and kindergartens 22 7 14 7 Teaching and education centres 21 16 25 9 Universities 6 4 14 8 Colleges 11 5 7 2 City and district municipalities 5 3 6 4 Ministries 0 0 6 5 Labour Market Training Centres and Labour Exchanges

1 0 2 0

Joint stock companies 1 1 2 0 Other institutions 6 2 3 1 Total: 73 38 79 36

Distribution of submitted applications and received grants by county

2007 2008 County Submitted

applicationsFinanced projects


Financed projects

Vilnius County 35 25 41 17 Kaunas County 10 4 10 5 Klaipėda County 5 2 7 3 Šiauliai County 6 2 7 3 Panevėžys County 7 4 6 3 Utena County 1 0 4 4 Alytus County 3 1 2 1 Telšiai County 0 0 1 0 Tauragė County 2 0 1 0 Marijampolė County 4 0 0 0 Total: 73 38 79 36 Distribution of submitted applications and received grants by title (position)

2007 2008 Title (position) Submitted

applicationsFinanced projects


Financed projects

Directors, managers 15 5 16 8 Deputy managers 7 3 9 6 Heads 17 10 8 5 Deputy heads 1 0 4 4 Deans and vice deans 0 0 4 4 Project managers 1 1 3 2 Teachers, trainers 6 2 15 1 Senior specialists, supervisors 16 12 8 1 Other specialists 10 5 12 5 Total: 73 38 79 36 Contracts signed

in 2008 Projects in progress in 2008

Projects finished in 2008

Participants of Study Visits 36 50 37 Contracts signed

in 2007 Projects in progress in 2007

Projects finished in 2007

Participants of Study Visits 38 52 25 Selected proposals to

organize visits in 2008 N/A Organized visits in 2008

Organizers of Study Visits 4 N/A 3 Selected proposals to

organize visits in 2007 N/A Organized visits in 2007

Organizers of Study Visits 4 N/A 2

OTHER PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS European Language Label The European Language Label is an activity intended for evaluation of innovative language teaching and learning projects. The purpose of the programme is to evaluate and award innovative language teaching and learning projects, and present them to teachers, pupils and lecturers; the programme also aims to encourage wider application of innovative teaching methods and forms in different fields and institutions of language teaching. In 2008, the Education Exchange Support Foundation organized a competition for the European Language Label programme. This year, the competition was organized in the following categories: Language Project of the Year, Language Teacher of the Year and Language Learner of the Year. In 2008, as compared to 2007, the nomination for Learner of the Year was claimed by pupils who translated texts from two chosen European Union languages into Lithuanian. Taking into consideration the fact that this year, the competition for Language Learner—Translator of the Year was dedicated to European Language Day, texts for translation were on topics related to European Language Day and the variety of languages within member states. The competition was held on 26 September in representation of the European Commission in Vilnius and the European Institute at Kaunas University of Technology. The European Language Label Awards took place on 18 November 2008 during an event organized by the Education Exchange Support Foundation Creativity and Innovation in Lifelong Learning.

Applications 2007 2008 Under the nomination Language Project of the Year 6 11 Under the nomination Language Teacher of the Year 4 4 Under the nomination Language Learner of the Year 2 50

OTHER PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS National Bologna Expert Group In 2008, the Foundation continued implementation of the project Lithuanian National Bologna Group funded by the European Commission and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania. The key goals of the project are:

• To systematically disseminate information acquainting academic community members of institutions of higher education (students, teachers, administrators) and staff of organizations working in the field of higher education, with the Bologna objectives, regulations, and documents;

• To train academic community members of institutions of higher education and staff of organizations working in the field of higher education (by organizing national level events and meetings of Bologna propagators with representatives of institutions of higher education and organizations working in the field of higher education) to implement Bologna regulations in specific academic or other activities.

The Lithuanian National Bologna Group consists of seven experts from Lithuanian institutions of higher education and student organizations. Bologna experts disseminate information and provide recommendations and evaluations on issues related to implementation of the Bologna process in Lithuania, particularly focusing on the following priorities:

• Quality assurance (internal and external); • Three-cycle system (study programme reform, qualification system); • Recognition (ECTS, diploma supplement, Europass, Lisbon Convention).

In April 2008, students of Lithuanian higher schools were invited to the national Bologna seminar Ensuring Quality of Studies: A Dialogue of Students, Academics and Employers. Translation of the publication regarding the European project Tuning was started. In May 2008, the Education Exchange Support Foundation published the booklet Bologna Process—Creation of a European Higher Education Area, which introduces the Bologna process. In September 2008, an informational campaign on submission of applications for the European Credit Transfer System and (or) Diploma Supplement Labels for 2009–2013 was started. During the project, meetings with Bologna group experts, training seminars and advisory visits to higher schools are organized.

Projects for enhancing the appeal of studies

/schema/ Submitted Approved

OTHER PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS Erasmus Mundus Erasmus Mundus is a cooperation and mobility programme intended to enhance the quality of higher education in Europe and cooperation throughout the world, by organizing high-quality master’s studies in European universities. The aim of the programme is to encourage the development of higher education systems and improve the processes of social and economic reforms through cooperation with institutions of EU member states. On 27 and 28 March 2008, informational seminars Higher Education Programmes in Cooperation with Third Parties for employees of Lithuanian institutions of higher education and science were organized in Vilnius and Kaunas. Participants of the seminar were familiarized with the request to submit applications for the Erasmus Mundus programme of 2008, as well as practical guidelines for preparing applications. Questions from participants were also answered. Action 1: Erasmus Mundus Master’s Studies. In the period 2008–2009, implementation of two master’s studies of the Erasmus Mundus programme in Lithuania was continued: EMSR—European Master in Sustainable Regional Health Systems (coordinated by Vilnius University) and EMBC—Erasmus Mundus Master of Science in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (with the participation of Klaipėda University as a partner). Action 2: Scholarships Scholarships are awarded to third-country (non EU) students and scholars who wish to participate in Erasmus Mundus Master’s Studies. Lithuanian institutions that participate in approved Erasmus Mundus Master’s Studies have not yet received any foreign students for the 2008–2009 school year. Coordinators from Vilnius University have selected, and the European Commission has approved, 20 foreign students who will start studies in a partner-university in Spain. Action 3: Partnership Partnership is cooperation between the Erasmus Mundus Master’s Studies Consortium and at least one third-country institution of higher education. Until this year, Lithuanian institutions had no approved master’s studies in the Erasmus Mundus programme; therefore, in the first stage of the Erasmus Mundus programme, Lithuanian institutions will not participate in partnership projects. Action 4: Enhancing the Appeal of the project Projects for enhancing the appeal of the project are aimed at promotion of European higher education. In 2008, the following Lithuanian institutions submitted applications for this activity in partner projects: V.A. Graičiūnas’ Higher Management School, the Education Exchange Support Foundation and Erasmus Academic Network ISEKI Food 3 involving Kaunas University of Technology, Vilnius University, Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian University of Agriculture and the Institute of Material Science and Scientific Research of Vilnius University. After expert evaluation, projects from Lithuanian institutions were not approved.

OTHER PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS Tempus The Tempus programme (Trans-European Mobility Programme for University Studies) is one of the European Community programmes designed to help the restructuring of higher education systems in countries of Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Western Balkans and the Mediterranean Sea Region. The Programme focuses on development of higher education systems in these countries and improvement of the process of social and economic reform through cooperation with institutions from EU Member States. On 27 and 28 March 2008, informational seminars Higher Education Programmes in Cooperation with Third Parties for employees of Lithuanian institutions of higher education and science were organized in Vilnius and Kaunas. Participants of the seminar were familiarized with the request to submit applications for the Tempus IV programme of 2008, as well as practical guidelines for preparing applications. Questions from participants were also answered. In 2008, 28 Lithuanian institutions of higher education submitted applications under the Tempus programme; three applications were for projects where Lithuanian institutions intend to participate as coordinators—one application was recognized as ineligible. Taking into consideration the evaluation and comments of external experts, and following consultations with national authorities, the European Commission awarded financing to the project Western-Eastern Teacher Education Network coordinated by Kaunas University of Technology as well as projects coordinated by Zagreb University and Santiago de Compostela University where Lithuanian institutions of higher education also participate. Three joint European projects under the Tempus III programme, where Lithuanian institutions participate, are due to be completed in 2008. Kaunas University of Technology is the holder of the contract for one of these projects. Joint projects Joint projects are structural projects initiated by a consortium of institutions with clearly defined aims and priorities for reform of the institution of higher education at the institutional level.

Structural instruments Structural instruments are short-term instruments that support national reforms and needs at the organizational (national) level.

Submitted and approved applications for Tempus IV of 2008 Approved /schema/ For coordinated projects For partner projects Submitted

OTHER PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS Dissemination projects In 2008, the Education Exchange Support Foundation together with another 11 national agencies from European countries participating in the Lifelong Learning Programme submitted applications for the competition for funding under the Transversal Programme, and received funding for the dissemination project Keeping on Track (upgrading the skills of older workers, migrants and women working in the service, social and healthcare sectors of Europe). The aim of the project is to spread information and promote applicability of projects financed under the Leonardo da Vinci, Grundvig and Equal programmes for upgrading of skills of older workers, migrants and women working in the service, social and healthcare sectors. Activities of the dissemination project, which will be implemented until 31 October 2009, will include collection of information on projects financed between 2000 and 2007 and results achieved during implementation of these projects; preparation of a publication on the “good practice” of 20–30 projects; organization of an international conference in the Czech Republic and organization of national seminars in all countries participating in the project. As of 2008, the Education Exchange Support Foundation together with other national agencies participating in the Lifelong Learning Programme, has been participating in the project European Share Treasure. The main aim of the project is to prepare a virtual database that will help disseminate and valorize the results of partnership projects financed under the Leonardo da Vinci, Comenius and Grundvig programmes. The project was launched in 2006 together with national agencies in Italy, Austria, Greece, Poland, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Luxemburg, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Sweden. The project was initially intended for dissemination and valorization of the results of partnerships under the Comenius and Grundvig programmes. As of 2008, the beneficiaries of partnerships of all programmes must enter information regarding the project and its results into a special database; therefore, this database will be regularly updated. In 2008, the Foundation successfully completed the project Model for Core Curricula with Integrated Mobility Abroad, which resulted in the creation of general recommendations describing how the core curricula together with integrated mobility abroad should be prepared. The general model describing core curricula enables the creation of technical standards and helps define a suitable framework for international student exchange and planning of methods for recognizing studies abroad, where the core focus should be laid on acquired skills and results of studies. These skills acquired through learning abroad should be an integral part of the curricula. Partners: DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service, coordinator), Tartu University (Estonia), CIMO (Finnish Centre for International Mobility), University of Kuopio (Finland), Education Exchange Support Foundation (Lithuania), Kaunas University of Medicine (Lithuania), University of Central Lancashire (Great Britain) and School of Clinical Sciences and Community Health of Edinburgh (Great Britain). Duration of project: 01–10–2006 — 31–08–2008. Budget: the total budget for the project was 232,285 euros. Lithuania was allocated 12,482 euros.

Since autumn 2008, the Foundation has been participating in the project Joint Degree Management and Administration Network: Tackling Current Issues and Facing Future Challenges. Duration of project: 24 months. Starting date of project: 1 October 2008. Countries participating in the project: Italy, France, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Romania, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Germany. Aims of the project: The aim of the Joinman network is to improve administration and management possibilities among European institutions of higher education and members of the Joinman network in joint master’s and doctoral study programmes. These aims can be achieved through the sharing of good practice among the 15 universities of the network. Dissemination of information among European institutions of higher education will be ensured by three Erasmus Mundus national organizations which are competent partners of the project. Expected results of the project: publications regarding administrative management of joint programmes that set out examples of good practice. Special consideration will be given to dissemination of good practice in procedures of joint programme administration, financial stability, social relations, and quality of services and organization in doctoral studies.

CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION YEAR OF EUROPE 2009

NEW ACTIVITIES European year of creativity and innovation By order No. ISAK–2065 of the Minister of Education and Science of 14–07–2008, the Education Exchange Support Foundation was assigned to coordinate activities for 2009—the year of creativity and innovation.

The following three trends of priority were planned at the national level: 1. Synergy among institutions

implementing various programmes financed by the EU and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.

2. Encouragement and development of

creativity in all age groups. 3. Resourcefulness and innovation—the

motivator for small and medium business development.

• An introductory conference was held on 18 November.

• Formation of a forum that welcomes participation from representatives of organizations working in various spheres.

• Creation of a website for the presentation of information on various events during a thematic year.

• Consultations with the Ministry of Education and Science and the European Commission regarding form and content of the events of a thematic year; dissemination of information to the community through the media.

• Integrated presentation of information on innovative and creative initiatives during national and international events.

Trademark of Lithuanian Higher Education At present, there is no unified system in Lithuania that presents information about higher education and studies in the country, nor are there instruments for implementation of marketing of higher education services abroad. The initiative in this sphere belongs to individual institutions and universities, the websites of which provide fragmental information on studies in Lithuania or studies in certain higher schools. While seeking to promote services of Lithuanian higher education abroad, at the beginning of 2007, the Education Exchange Support Foundation was assigned the task of creating a trademark for Lithuanian higher education. In the same year, by order of the Foundation, the higher education trademark (image) creation and implementation strategy was prepared. The strategy defined the concept, aims, tasks and instruments for publicity of the trademark (image). The strategy was openly discussed with institutions of higher education, representatives of the Ministry of Education and Science and society as a whole (during meetings, conferences and higher education exhibitions, and by voting for the slogan for the higher education trademark on the Foundation’s website). In summer 2008, the Foundation carried out a survey Testing of the slogan for the Lithuanian higher education trademark in English in order to find out which of the slogans best reflected the idea of promotion of Lithuanian higher education. 406 respondents comprising foreign citizens who had studied in Lithuania participated in the survey. Based on the results of the survey, the slogan approved for the trademark for Lithuanian Higher Education was Study in Lithuania. Discover. Develop. Enjoy. In autumn 2008, the first stage of creation of the Lithuanian higher education trademark was completed. Further measures—creation and maintenance of a unified website for Lithuanian higher education and introduction of the higher education trademark into local and foreign markets using modern dissemination and marketing measures—is planned under the Structural Funds project, which is to be prepared and implemented in the future.

Project management and monitoring One of the main functions that has been delegated to the Education Exchange Support Foundation is the administration of European Union education programmes. Education programmes support a variety of projects. When administering the projects, the Education Exchange Support Foundation follows requirements of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System and programming documents that regulate administration of projects. As in previous years, particular attention was paid to project monitoring. The aim of project monitoring is to ensure qualitative implementation of project activities and effective use of the grant. The Foundation continued developing its project monitoring strategy and implementation methods. Individual consultations. Employees of the Foundation continually consult

beneficiaries of the grant on project implementation issues. No. Programme name Number of consultations in 2007 Number of consultations in 2008 1. Erasmus About 10,000 About 10,000 2. Comenius About 15,000 About 15,000 3. Grundtvig About 5,000 About 5,000 4. Leonardo da Vinci About 5,000 About 5,280 5. Study Visits About 400 About 500

Thematic seminars. Seminars are organized for beneficiaries of the grant in order to consult with them on relevant matters (provisions of the contract, quality assurance, dissemination, valorization, etc.).

No. Programme name Number of seminars in 2007 Number of seminars in 2007 1. Erasmus 5 8 2. Comenius 9 12 3. Grundtvig 6 9 4. Leonardo da Vinci 9 18 5. Study Visits 2 3

Monitoring visits. Project coordinators of the Foundation meet with project promoters, project administrators and participants, in order to become more familiar with project documentation, products and plans for promotion of the project. After the meetings, project promoters are presented with findings and respective recommendations. Employees of the Foundation also participate in meetings of project partners, final events, conferences, exhibitions, concerts, etc. Visits from project participants and foreign partners to the Education Exchange Support Foundation are also organized.

No. Programme name Number of visits in 2007 Number of visits in 2008 1. Erasmus 8 8 2. Comenius 10 3 3. Grundtvig 5 1 4. Leonardo da Vinci 42 26 5. Study Visits 0 3

Analysis and assessment of reports. Project coordinators of the Foundation check and analyze project implementation reports (intermediate and final). If necessary, an external expert may also be involved.

No. Programme name Number of reports in 2007 Number of reports in 2008 1. Erasmus 363 230 2. Academic exchanges 10 35 2. Comenius 607 277 3. Grundtvig 250 102 4. Leonardo da Vinci 69 118 5. Study Visits 32 37

Audit. According to established national requirements and requirements of the European Commission, in order to check the original project-related financial documents and their records, a certain percentage of administered projects are audited in the project promoter’s institutions.

No. Programme name Number of audits in 2007 Number of audits in 2008 1. Erasmus 3 2 2. Leonardo da Vinci 7 1 It should be noted that in 2008, the Foundation started using the method of thematic monitoring —group monitoring (in the Comenius, Erasmus and Grundtvig programmes). Group monitoring meetings were set up for grant beneficiaries of the same region, participating in the same programmes. This method proved successful, as it enabled a significant increase in the number of institutions that were consulted. Assessment of applications The assessment of applications submitted in 2008 was carried out and recommendations were prepared by nine selection commissions (one of them was established in 2008) approved by the order of the minister of education and science of the Republic of Lithuania and the director of the Foundation. 39 external experts were involved in the assessment of applications.

Dissemination of information The most significant change in activities as regards dissemination of information of the Education Exchange Support Foundation in 2008 was establishment of the Communication Unit. The main tasks of the unit include supervising the creation and implementation of the publicity strategy of the Foundation, organizing and supervising external and internal communications of the Foundation, and implementing a plan of events, publications and promotional products of the Foundation according to quality management procedures. At the beginning of the year, the Foundation revised and supplemented its publicity strategy and implementation plan in order to make it better correspond with priorities and expectations of the activity of 2008. One of the most important innovations of this strategy is the ambition to become a socially responsible institution. Our first steps towards this in 2008 included the decision not to print out reports of all events organized by the Foundation, but to announce them over the internet and encourage participants to print out only documents that were really necessary. Another visible step was supplementation of electronic signatures of employees of the Foundation using the symbol of a tree, which reminded them to consider if it was really necessary to print out each letter, which not only wastes paper, but also other resources. The initiative for waste recycling for all organizations located in the Education Support Centre was started. Unfortunately, by the end of the year, this initiative still hadn’t come to fruition, due to disagreements between the sub-district administration and the service provider. It is necessary to note that employees of the Foundation enthusiastically support these innovations and suggest implementing further steps towards the Foundation as a socially responsible organization. Events An important part of informational activity of the Foundation is the organization of events. During 2008, the Foundation organized 56 events, in which almost three thousand participants expressed their interest in international cooperation. While seeking to make the events that we organize as useful as possible, during bigger events we kindly ask participants to fill out event evaluation questionnaires. We then analyze information presented therein and discuss suggestions and remarks. It should be noted that participants assess most of our events as good or very good, i.e. they emphasize their usefulness, the relevance of obtained information, and the effectiveness of assistance and consultations by employees of the Foundation. Type of event Number of events Number of participants Informational 38 2,077 Training seminars 6 197 Events on valorization 2 216 Monitoring seminars 50 1,045 Conferences/discussions 1 42 Competition Language Learner of the Year 2 50 International 3 145 In addition to informational seminars and conferences, several fairly significant events were held in 2008. In February, the Foundation presented its activity during the international exhibition Learning. Studies. Career 2008. We presented the idea of Lifelong Learning in a colourful stand reflecting the rotation of the seasons of the year. Together with a representation of the European Commission, we organized the celebration of Europe Day in Vilnius. One of the most spectacular moments of the event was

a parade involving project participants which took place on Gediminas Avenue, and involved over one thousand participants from all over Lithuania. Another important event organized by the Foundation was the annual meeting of the national Lifelong Learning agencies of the Baltic, which was held in Lithuania this year. This meeting provided an opportunity to discuss joint activities, potential joint events and publications of the Baltic agencies; the project coordinators were given the opportunity to share their experience in administering programmes and solving routine problems. The administration discussed better ways of representing the interests of the Baltic countries in the European Commission, as well as other matters relevant to all countries involved. In September 2008, a joint event—exhibition of Baltic projects Baltic Expo—was organized in Tallinn. During the exhibition, project promoters from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania (over 60 participants) presented their projects, shared experiences and participated in discussions. The achievements of Lithuania were presented by representatives of the Education Exchange Support Foundation and participants of 20 exemplary projects of the Grundvig, Comenius, Leonardo da Vinci and Erasmus programmes. Publications A significant and important sphere of informational activity is the publication of newsletters and promotional material. During eleven months in 2008, the Foundation prepared and published 36 different publications amounting to over 50,000 copies. In 2008, two editions of the Education Exchange Support Foundation’s newsletter Learning Lifelong were published. It is the most popular periodical of the Foundation; it presents information on the most important events, introduces innovations and invites readers to solve a thematic crossword. Type of publication Quantity Circulation Brochures 18 22,000 Publication of Quality Awards 1 1,000 Compendiums 2 Electronic Booklets 6 24,000 Flyers 2 1,500 Cards 3 4,000 Posters 4 1,100 The Education Exchange Support Foundation administers four internet websites: www.smpf.lt for beneficiaries of support under education programmes administered by the Foundation and any persons interested in opportunities for international cooperation; www.euroguidance.lt for vocational counselors and those choosing a profession or wishing to retrain; www.europass.lt which introduces the folder of EU documents Europass; and www.kurybiskumas2009.lt which is intended for dissemination of the project European Year of Creativity and Innovation in Lithuania. After updating the Foundation’s website in 2007, the following year, we started offering new measures to facilitate our communication with beneficiaries of support and to improve mutual relations: subscribers to news from the Foundation have the possibility to receive relevant information related to project administration, which is classified by the sphere of subscribers’ interests; visitors to the website can participate in weekly surveys and express their opinion on relevant matters. In addition to the three main websites, the Foundation also administers an electronic version of the Profession Guide which is available at www.euroguidance.lt/profesijosvadovas/. This interactive directory is a unique guide for anyone who is looking for information on professions,

or wishes to complete a vocational selection test; it is also beneficial for those who would like to get to know their personality deeper and identify professions that match their type of personality. Personnel and management At present, the staff of the Foundation consists of 48 specialists (two of them are employed under temporary contracts to replace employees on maternity leave) who regularly enhance their skills and are ready to meet professional challenges. The number of employees in comparison to 2007 has increased by 11 percent. The organization is constantly growing and developing and its structure is also changing. In spring 2008, the Steering Committee of the Foundation approved the establishment of two new units—General Affairs and Communication. The staff of the Foundation consists of 23 percent men and 77 percent women. The average age of employees is 30.7 years. All employees have obtained higher education, 45 percent have a master’s degree and one employee is a doctor of science. At present, 15 percent of employees are studying. Training of employees remains one of our most important priorities. According to the Quality Management System, the Foundation performs an annual assessment of employees. Based on the assessment results, a training plan for each employee is prepared and his/her workload and responsibilities are revised. In 2008, the Foundation prepared an internal communication strategy aimed at summarizing internal information flows, as well as strengthening internal culture in the organization and promoting the loyalty of employees to each other and the organization. The Foundation carries out regular surveys of organizational culture and improves the working relations and environment accordingly. Since the beginning of 2008, five students have performed their practical training within the Foundation.

STEERING COMMITTEE

Director (1)

Deputy director (1)

Deputy director (1) Chief financier (1) Lawyer (1) Personnel

specialist (1)

Project unit (5)

Vocational training

programmes unit (6)

Higher education

programmes unit (6)

General education and adult learning programmes

unit (10)

Finance and accounting unit (5)

General affairs unit

(5)

Communication unit (3)

The Foundation reports to the Steering Committee, the composition of which is approved by the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania. The Steering Committee submits proposals to the General Meeting of the Foundation (the founder) regarding implementation of EU education programmes in Lithuania; the Steering Committee also assesses results of the activity of the Foundation; submits proposals regarding reorganization, restructuring or liquidation of the Foundation and establishment or liquidation of branches and representations of the Foundation; determines national priorities of administered programmes and makes strategic decisions on issues related to the activity of the Foundation. In 2008, three meetings of the Steering Committee (on 21–01–2008, 06–03–2008 and 17–12–2008) were held. Issues discussed at the meetings included activities of the Foundation, achievements and problems the Foundation encountered, and approval of the structure and the principles of financing. Quality assurance On 20 November 2007, the Quality Management System was implemented in the Education Exchange Support Foundation, which was certified by UAB Bureau Veritas Lit according to the international standard ISO 9001:2000/LST EN ISO 9001:2001. On 7 December this year, UAB Bureau Veritas Lit carried out an annual audit and prepared the audit report stating that no cases of nonconformity with requirements of the standard were detected. The following strengths of the quality management system were emphasized: the management’s attention to the system and its practical use, the use of a suitable system to maintain an effective “spirit” in the institution, execution of comprehensive management analysis, efficient and careful administration of system documents, efficient auditing, efficient use of the system by employees and active participation of employees in suggesting ways to improve the system. Following the requirements of the standard, during the reporting period, two managerial assessment meetings were organized—on 26 October 2007 (before certification) and 30 April 2008. According to data of the last managerial assessment meeting, an estimation of the dynamics of specific nonconformities was not possible; however, an increase in nonconformities was noticed in the activity of newly established organizational units. This year, seven independent internal quality management audits were performed. The aim of the audits was to detect possible nonconformities and improve the quality of management processes according to the presented recommendation. Since implementation of the quality management system, 66 procedures, 20 orders, and 71 forms and other documents have been changed, which shows that proper functioning of the quality management system is given great consideration; processes are under control and their administration is continuously improved. The next managerial assessment meeting is scheduled for January 2009. We expect by that time to have more information which is necessary for the assessment of process management, as well as dynamics of possible nonconformities with requirements of standard, positive and negative tendencies. In the sphere of quality management, in addition to the adopted quality policy and yearly tasks and objective, the Foundation has also approved three strategies: project monitoring strategy, internal communication strategy and external communication strategy. The aim of the project monitoring strategy is to guarantee qualitative implementation of project activities and effective and purposeful use of the grant. The external communication strategy envisages guidelines for publicity of the organization. The internal communication strategy summarizes the internal information flow and plans measures for strengthening internal culture within the organization and promoting the loyalty of employees to each other and the organization.

Financing The financing of activities of 2008—as compared to 2007—from the European Commission Directorate Education and Culture and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania, has increased by 10 percent. In 2008, funds allocated to the Lifelong Learning Programme increased by eight percent. This year, funds from the state budget for co-financing projects have been allocated to the Nordplus programme, which is coordinated by the Nordic Council.

BUDGET OF 2007 BUDGET OF 2008 No. Name European Commission

Ministry of Education and Science

Other institutions

Nordic Council

TOTAL European Commission

Ministry of Education and Science

Other institutions

Nordic Council

TOTAL Change

(%)

I LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMME

34,589.80 16,008.60 0.0 0.0 50,598.40 37,978.70 16,630.80 0.0 0.0 54,609.50 8

1. Administration of activity

1,724.60 2,172.60 0.0 0.0 3,897.20 1,950.50 2,609.80 0.0 0.0 4,560.30 17

2. Leonardo da Vinci programme

8,537.90 0.0 0.0 0.0 8,537.90 9,357.10 0.0 0.0 0.0 9,357.10 10

Trainees in initial vocational training

2,196.80 0.0 0.0 0.0 2,196.80 2,163.90 0.0 0.0 0.0 2,163.90 -2

Mobility of people on the labour market

182.30 0.0 0.0 0.0 182.30 120.20 0.0 0.0 0.0 120.20 -34

Professional vocational education and training

2,023.20 00.0 0.0 0.0 2,023.20 2,258.30 0.0 0.0 0.0 2,258.30 12

Partnership Projects 0 0 0 0 0 680.20 0.0 0.0 0.0 680.20 100 Preparatory Visits 89.40 0.0 0.0 0.0 89.40 113.30 0.0 0.0 0.0 113.30 27 Transfer of

Innovation Projects 4,0466.20 0.0 0.0 0.0 4,046.10 4,021.20 0.0 0.0 0.0 4,021.20 -1

3. Comenius programme

6,384.60 0.0 0.0 0.0 6,384.60 6,63.90 0.0 0.0 0.0 6,663.90 4

Assistantship 319.20 0.0 0.0 0.0 319.20 333.50 0.0 0.0 0.0 333.50 5 In-service training 957.70 0.0 0.0 0.0 957.70 961.60 0.0 0.0 0.0 961.60 0 Multilateral

partnerships 4,596.80 0.0 0.0 0.0 4,596.80 4,464.50 0.0 0.0 0.0 4,464.50 -3

Bilateral partnerships 319.20 0.0 0.0 0.0 319.20 666.40 0.0 0.0 0.0 666.40 109 Preparatory visits 191.60 0.0 0.0 0.0 191.60 199.90 0.0 0.0 0.0 199.90 4 Student exchanges 0 0 0 0 0 38.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 38.0 100 4. Grundtvig

programme 22,321.30 0.0 0.0 0.0 22,321.30 2,379.00 0.0 0.0 0.0 2,379.00 3

In-service training 232.10 0.0 0.0 0.0 232.10 237.90 0.0 0.0 0.0 237.90 3 Learning partnerships 2,020.10 0.0 0.0 0.0 2,020.10 2,069.70 0.0 0.0 0.0 2,069.70 3 Preparatory visits 69.10 0.0 0.0 0.0 69.10 71.40 0.0 0.0 0.0 71.40 3 5. Erasmus

programme 15,462.30 13,186.00 0.0 0.0 28,648.30 17,419.40 13,186.00 0.0 0.0 30,605.40 7

Students’ studies and traineeship

12,004.90 8,626.00 0.0 0.0 20,630.9 13,395.80 8,626.00 0.0 0.0 22,021.80 7

Teachers’ training 1,216.00 1,370.00 0.0 0.0 2,586.00 1,473.00 1,145.00 0.0 0.0 2,618.00 1 Staff placements 304.00 0.0 0.0 0.0 304.00 259.90 308.00 0.0 0.0 567.9 87 Organization of

mobility 1,376.80 2,446.00 0.0 0.0 3,822.80 1,559.70 2,400.00 0.0 0.0 3,959.70 4

Projects 329.60 594.00 0.0 0.0 923.60 519.90 560.00 0.0 0.0 1,079.90 17 EILC course 62.20 150.00 0.0 0.0 212.20 89.80 147.00 0.0 0.0 236.80 12 Students with

disability 15.80 0.0 0.0 0.0 15.80 36.80 0.0 0.0 0.0 36.80 133

Preparatory visits 153.00 0.0 0.0 0.0 153.00 84.50 0.0 0.0 0.0 84.50 -45 6. Bilateral contracts 0.00 650.00 0.0 0.0 650.00 0.0 835.00 0.0 0.0 835.00 29 7. Study Visits 159.10 0.0 0.0 0.0 159.10 208.80 0.0 0.0 0.0 208.80 31 II. PROGRAMMES 0.0 68.60 0.0 92.60 161.20 0.0 1,066.00 0.0 99.50 1,165.00 623 1. Nordplus programme 0.0 13.60 0.0 92.60 106.20 0.0 1,000.00 0.0 99.50 1,099.50 935 Erasmus Mundus

programme 0.0 21.00 0.0 0.0 21.00 0.0 23.0 0.0 0.0 23.00 10

Tempus programme 0.0 34.00 0.0 0.0 34.00 0.0 43.00 0.0 0.0 43.00 27 III. PROJECTS 537.40 412.80 0.0 0.0 950.20 463.00 405.70 0.0 0.0 868.70 -9 National Bologna

Group 39.00 29.00 0.0 0.0 68.00 103.10 34.00 0.0 0.0 137.10 102

Europass project 172.70 172.70 0.0 0.0 345.40 183.00 183.00 0.0 0.0 366.00 6 Euroguidance project 172.70 172.70 0.0 0.0 345.40 172.70 172.70 0.0 0.0 345.40 0 European Language

Label 0.0 10.4 0.0 0.0 10.40 0.0 13.50 0.0 0.0 13.50 30

Moca-model for Core Curricula with Integrated Mobility Abroad

35.0 3.0 0.0 0.0 38.0 4.2 2.5 0.0 0.0 6.7 -82

Dissemination 118.0 25.0 0.0 0.0 143.00 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 -100 IV. INITIATIVES 0.0 0.0 60.0 0.0 60.0 0.0 0.0 57.70 0.0 57.70 -4 Lithuanian Labour

Market Training Centre

0.0 0.0 30.00 0.0 30.00 0.0 0.0 30.00 0.0 30.00 0

Lithuanian Labour Exchange

0.0 0.0 30.00 0.0 30.00 0.0 0.0 27.70 0.0 27.70 -8

TOTAL 35,127.20 16,490.00 60,00 92,60 51,769.80 38,441.70 18,102.50 57.70 99,50 56,701.40 10

Dynamics of financial resources in 2007–2008 The activity report of the Education Exchange Support Foundation has been prepared based on the operational plan of the European Commission and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania, having evaluated the implementation of plans, programmes and projects of all units. Heads and specialists of the units are responsible for the preparation of plans. Supervision is carried out by the director and deputy directors of the Foundation.

education exchanges support foundation - overview of activity in 2008

Documents