The Leonardo da Vinci Programme is one of EU's three educational programmes implemented in Poland, which actively support the EU's policy with regard to education and vocational development. The main principle of the programme is to promote activities focussing on the improvement of quality in educational and vocational development systems as well as adjustment of the education system to the needs of labour market. The Programme provides opportunities for international co-operation with regard to improving quality, stimulating innovation and promoting European dimension in systems of education and vocational development.

Since March 1998 Poland has participated in the EU Program Leonardo da Vinci, on the same basis as EU member states. Since 2000 this participation has entered the second phase of the program, which is planned for 2000-2006. The program aims at the development of national systems of education and vocational training on all levels and is intended to facilitate networking in this field.

The long-term goal of the Programme is to adjust the system of vocational development to the needs of labour market in united Europe as well as improve the situation of national labour markets.

It will be possible as the consequence of enhanced vocational competence and better employment opportunities for graduates of various types of schools. For EU Member States that means: the Community's strengthened role in industry in relation to other world regions, development of information society, enhanced social and economic relations. If - following the unity agreements - the labour market remains open, then there is more to do than simply improve national systems of education. There must be adopted standards, which will allow for mutual approval of diplomas, certificates and acquisition of comparable qualifications.

The program is intended for institutions and organizations registered as legal entities, involved in development of vocational training systems - educational establishments, technical schools, universities, social partners and public authorities.

Official website of the LdV Programme - http://europa.eu.int/comm/education/programmes/leonardo/leonardo_en.html

National Agency of the Leonardo da Vinci Programme