Continuous Education in Türkiye: Understanding Lifelong Learning in Turkish Society

Lifelong learning, as a cornerstone of personal and professional development, holds significant importance in fostering adaptable and equitable societies. This article explores societal attitudes toward lifelong learning, with a particular focus on the Turkish context, analysing cultural, structural, and economic factors that shape participation and perceptions. While Europe has advanced comprehensive policies and frameworks for lifelong learning, Türkiye has faced challenges in integrating lifelong learning into its socio-educational fabric due to limited resources, insufficient awareness, and socio-economic disparities. Drawing on comparative insights, the paper highlights key differences in access, course variety, and affordability between Türkiye and European nations. Findings indicate that European countries benefit from extensive public funding, institutional collaboration, and inclusivity, making lifelong learning accessible to diverse populations. In contrast, Turkish lifelong learning initiatives remain fragmented, with low participation rates, high costs, and a predominant focus on vocational education. Despite these challenges, recent efforts by Turkish policymakers and international partnerships suggest a growing recognition of the value of lifelong learning for national development.