• Formazione 80 was founded in 1984.
The Association was founded by a group of teachers, academics and researchers working in the education field who are all involved in adult education. The idea stemmed from profound dissatisfaction with state education policies and the conviction that their talents and experience should not be wasted. And the idea was a success. Over the last 20 years Formazione 80 onlus has enforced its role by contributing to the definition of new, simpler and more substantial policies for adult education. The Association has gained considerable experience as a point of reference for research, teaching methodology and adult education projects, whilst learning new skills regarding principally career guidance and integration in work environments.

• Our work has always been guided by constant reference to social research to broaden our knowledge of education techniques, together with the deep conviction that the foundation of a sustainable social approach is the key to conscious understanding. Our professional challenge and our commitment stem from these factors.

• Our main aims must be the use and promotion of means of communication and understanding, if we are to construct a meaningful future. We have chose to adopt these means primarily with those who, in the workplace, perform unstimulating tasks in subordinated positions. In a social context they are marginalized, and in cultural and political terms they are bad consumers and confused by-standers, who watch other people make choices and decisions.

• So far we have outlined the commitment. Our professional challenge is to transform this outline into the following:

- Accurate social analysis, by identifying the market, describing characteristics and their willingness and requirements;
- A solid intervention project, able to stimulate and create situations which facilitate technical knowledge and specific skills;
- A structured educational programme, to achieve results in learning and self-knowledge as well as evaluation skills.

• This is not an easy task. Over the years we have learnt to favour experience and the research of good policies over the preaching of good principals. To be successful in our work we must bear in mind the willingness and interest of the individual; encourage him to reflect on his own experiences of life and work; organise behavioural discussion groups. This means building up a relationship of trust, encouraging individuals to identify their own weak points and therefore the best way to deal with them. These elements are no less important than the acquisition of operational technical skills. Through knowledge, skills and self-knowledge, personal dignity is attained.

• Today our activities focus on various fields. In 1985 Formazione 80 onlus founded a magazine, Formazione 80 Percorsi, its primary means of external communication. It is the only publication in Italy to focus on adult education in terms of experience, teaching methodology, teacher training and research. Percorsi is also an open forum of debate on education policies, to measure and compare institutional and social strandpoints.

• The Association’s publishing work is not limited to the magazine. Various adult education texts have been published over the years, specifically tailored to the cultural and social conditions of the target market.

• Today, our activities also include project planning for work integration and career guidance for less well-equipped individuals (in economic, personal and social terms) in the work market. It is necessary to develop programmes by involving the individual in order to reintroduce him to learning or working. These programmes must stem from pre-existing abilities, technical or other, acquired through past experiences. We deal with the young unemployed, young people who suffer social marginalization, drug addicts, mentally or physically handicapped people, immigrants, and also the older long-term unemployed. Formazione 80 has acquired strong skills in project development. This occurs independently or in collaboration with public institutions and other associations, to create a national and European network. This approach has allowed us to benefit from other people’s experiences and methodologies, to share our own and to learn through experimentation. This network, and the experience of our trainers, tutors and teachers allows us to develop projects on a locarl, national and European basis, through various programmes: national laws, The Leonardo Da Vinci II Programme, Socrates programme, and various community initiatives and plans.

• Teacher training for our team is essential if our work is to be increasingly effective and up-to-date. It is also vital for anyone who’s goal is education, training, career guidance and more generally social integration for disadvantaged people.