Edu­ca­tion is key when it comes to per­so­nal deve­lo­p­ment and par­ti­ci­pa­tion in society and the world of work. In a libe­ral demo­cracy it is important to ensure that ever­yone has access to the for­mal and infor­mal edu­ca­tion sys­tem. On the one hand, edu­ca­tion takes place within a for­mal con­text such as nur­se­ries, schools, voca­tio­nal col­leges, com­pa­nies offe­ring app­ren­ti­ce­ships and uni­ver­si­ties, and on the other hand, within an infor­mal con­text such as the family, asso­cia­ti­ons, reli­gious com­mu­ni­ties, paris­hes, cor­po­rate trai­ning pro­vi­ders, cul­tu­ral insti­tu­ti­ons, the media, and other con­texts. Both, the for­mal as well as the infor­mal edu­ca­tion are indis­pensable for per­so­nal deve­lo­p­ment and par­ti­ci­pa­tion in the labour mar­ket. Edu­ca­tion enables peo­ple to be in charge of their own lives and take on respon­si­bi­lity for them­sel­ves and others. A fle­xi­ble edu­ca­tion sys­tem ensu­res equal oppor­tu­ni­ties regard­less of the start­ing con­di­ti­ons. Sci­en­ti­fic and artis­tic free­dom are essen­tial for a libe­ral democracy.

Cul­tu­ral and poli­ti­cal edu­ca­tion are key fac­tors when it comes to inte­gra­tion; they enable peo­ple to take part in society and embrace its cul­ture. With their help peo­ple learn to deal with and tole­rate dif­fe­ren­ces and tensions.