Differences between formal, non-formal and informal education

In the first part of the paper notions are defined and differences among formal, non-formal and informal education are considered. Non-formal education is defined as any other organisational educational activity beyond the existing formal system which serves sertain users and their aims of learning. A key characteristics of non-nformal education is flexibility which enables gaining different skills and competences through activities such as seminars, lectures, conferences and workshops. Informal education designates ‘life school’ based on personal experience, adopted social values and self-motivated learning. In conditions of a stable modern society all three aspects of education complement each other and together strengthen elements of lifelong process of learning.