Subjects and Courses
In total we offer about 1,000 courses, some 40,000 lessons. Most courses have weekly evening sessions, but daytime courses, weekend courses and short courses are also available. The learning possibilities that are independent of time and place, have grown, because VAEC has actively developed e-learning. The courses using educational network are usually multiform courses: part of the teaching is realized face to face, part of it is distance teaching and learning.

The VAEC is constantly reviewing and updating its curriculum to satisfy the needs and challenges of its students and the community.

Arts and Crafts
Teaching in handicrafts, visual art, sculpture, literature, music, dance, drama and creative writing is strong at the VAEC. Teaching based on the law about basic studies of arts, is given for adults in visual arts (3-year programme) and dance (2-year programme). Some 70 students participate yearly.

Information Technology
A wide range of courses on basic and complementary computer use and data processing are also on our programme. Over 600 tests for the computer driving licence were performed last year (in total: 60 A-level, 12 AB-level and 4 @-level licences were given). We also offer further training for the teachers of other schools and for peer instructors.

Languages
The VAEC teaches as many as 14 different languages at elementary, intermediate and advanced level. For example, our preparatory courses lead to International certificates in English. We offer, in co-operation, senior school courses in Spanish, French and Italian, but the majority of our courses are general ones. Network learning increases every year. Various business organisations benefit from language teaching which is geared to their particular needs.

Mixed Subjects
We provide opportunities to drama and interactive studies, 'everyman's skills', foreign cultures and the civic skills. Everybody is welcome to annual series of open lectures, with special topics for senior citizens. We specialise in education for those who have been out of work for a long time and aim to support their return to normal working life.

The Education of Children and Young People in
Arts and Practical Skills
The School of Visual Arts for Children and Young People has about 200 students, aged between 5 and 16 years. We implement the curriculum in basic art education. About 150 pupils make up the children's ballet and dance groups, and the music groups have about 80 musicians and singers. Additionally some 60 youngsters are enrolled in the School of Textiles and Handicrafts for Children.

The Projects
We constantly develop our activity. Usually this is realized through different projects, which, at the moment, are centred round information society skills and the object is to improve them at all levels. For example we have projects in The development of netlearning, The peer instructor- education and Information technology-teaching for disabled etc. The financing is either through EU or for example the Ministry of Education. Normally other education centres take part in the projects, too.

International activity
VAEC organises yearly 3-5 courses whose teachers come from abroad. Every year we offer for the arts students a possibility to participate in an arts- or culture camp in some European country. Our students take part in different international events and our teachers go abroad for updating training.

In-service education
The VAEC also has specialised courses in languages and information technology for customers such as business enterprises, state and local government etc.

Open University
The VAEC runs courses in social and educational subjects, visual arts, music in co-operation with various universities ja the Summer University of Häme. Such courses lead to valid university degrees and are mostly taught through a 'multiform system': students make up their own schedules according to what they need.

VAEC Policy
Economy
The Ministry of Education finances roughly half the Centre budget, students contribute about 18 % through course fees and the rest is jointly funded by the local communities.

Staff
The Adult Education Centre employs a principal, an assistant principal, 2 education and project managers, 10 departmental head teachers, an office manager, 6 secretaries and a caretaker. We also employ some 300 teachers on a temporary basis to give variety to our classes and lessons, and bring in lecturers from other fields of education and expertise.

Premises
The central VAEC buildings are situated in Hämeenlinna with the regional offices in Hattula, Janakkala and Lammi and we offer education in about 130 locations in the area.