STRUCTURE OF THE  EDUCATION SYSTEM IN GREECE & TOOL

Education, according to the most popular definition, is the process of facilitating learning, or the acquisition of knowledge, skills, values, beliefs, and habits. Educational methods include storytelling, discussion, teaching, training, and directed research. Education frequently takes place under the guidance of educators, but learners may also educate themselves. Education can take place in formal, informal or non-formal settings and any experience that has a formative effect on the way one thinks, feels, or acts may be considered as educational.

The National Organization for the Certification of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance (EOPPEP) is a legal body of Private Law, supervised by the Minister of Education, Research and Religious Affairs, and its headquarters are in Athens, the capital of Greece. More specifically, EOPPEP is responsible for the development of the Hellenic Qualifications Framework (HQF) and its referencing to the European Qualifications Framework (EQF) under the supervision and coordination of the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs. HQF is a unique tool for the classification of qualifications acquired upon completion of a learning process, i.e. the titles of study a citizen holds, and their referencing to the levels of EQF.

EOPPEP is one of the first organizations of the broad public sector in Greece Certified for Excellence, according to the internationally recognized EFQM Excellence Model (The European Foundation of Quality Management). In particular, EOPPEP has been certified for the 1st Level of EFQM Committed to Excellence recognition.

The organization is a senior management body of the National Lifelong Learning Network. It develops and implements a comprehensive national certification system for non-formal education (initial and continuing vocational training and general adult education) and provides scientific support to Vocational Guidance and Counseling services in the country.

EOPPEP aims at quality assurance via:

• Licensed Lifelong Learning Providers implementing VET programs, developed upon accredited standards & specifications, based on accredited occupational profiles, employing accredited Trainers for Adults, with the aid of accredited Support Services Professionals for vulnerable social groups.
• Recognized learning outcomes: accredited knowledge, skills and competences acquired via non-formal & informal learning pathways and respective certification of qualifications.
• Vocational guidance & counselling services: coordinating services & tools for supporting citizens of every age throughout their life in their educational & career options.