On May 5–6, the spring meeting of the directors and managers of Símenntar, the educational and lifelong learning centers in Iceland, took place. The meeting was held at the Institute and was attended by representatives of all centers from across the country.
The meeting focused on the core role of lifelong learning centers as important educational and social infrastructure. Discussions focused on, among other things, the importance of residents' access to educational and career counseling and the provision of practical skills assessment in their local communities in close collaboration with the business community. Special emphasis was placed on the role of lifelong learning centers in social inclusion and Icelandic language teaching, equal access to education, and regional development.
The visit concluded with an open meeting with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Culture, Innovation and Higher Education. Topics discussed included the role of lifelong learning centers in Icelandic language teaching, the integration of immigrants, and the effectiveness of the labor market in relation to the government's employment policy.