Auditor General Irena Segalovičienė met with representatives of the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport (MESS) to discuss the main challenges and envisaged changes in the Lithuanian education system. The meeting focused on strategic areas that are vital for the further strengthening and efficiency of the education system.
Discussions with Minister Raminta Popovienė focused on the system of educational support in Lithuania and the ongoing audit in this area. The progress of the Millennium Schools project and potential risks to ensure smooth and efficient modernisation of schools were reviewed. The use of the Recovery and Resilience Facility in education also received considerable attention.
One of the topics of the meeting was strengthening vocational training. Its importance for the labour market was highlighted, and ways were explored to make vocational training more attractive and relevant to today's needs. The Auditor General, Ms Segalovičienė, made a concrete proposal to introduce inclusive education in vocational training. This would ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities or special needs, would have the same opportunities to acquire a vocational qualification and successfully integrate into the labour market.
The importance of non-formal education for personal and skills development, its effectiveness, and its economic and social potential were also discussed. Discussions also included the current system of quality assessment of higher education studies, its strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for improvement in order to ensure the highest level of studies. The meeting also discussed the challenges of data management in the education system, highlighting the importance of accurate and reliable information for evidence-based decision-making.
The Auditor General stressed that systematic audits and close cooperation with the MESS are essential to ensure transparent and efficient use of public funds in education. She also recalled the importance of continuous monitoring of recommendations and stressed the need to improve the financial accounting and reporting of some institutions within the Ministry's area of responsibility.
"Only through joint efforts can problems be identified, the best solutions be found, and the necessary reforms be implemented to achieve long-term progress in the education system," said Ms Segalovičienė.
Representatives of the MESS confirmed their commitment to cooperate with the National Audit Office to ensure the best possible quality of education and efficient management of financial resources in Lithuania.