Doc. 9950

30 September 2003

Education for leisure activities 

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mr Smorawiński and others

1.       The Assembly believes that quality of leisure, in its different forms (intellectual, social, physical and mental), is directly related to quality of life. Active involvement, for instance in music or in sport, is better than passive attendance.

2.       It acknowledges the right to leisure and recreation time, which comprises reasonable working hours, regular paid holidays, favourable travelling conditions, suitable social planning and reasonable access to leisure facilities, areas and equipment.

3.       The development of leisure calls for coordinated action by governments, local authorities, NGOs, industry and the media. It also requires appropriate provision for education and training at all levels for leisure activities.

4.       Lack of understanding of the importance of leisure and lack of conditions for leisure activities provides “empty time” and can lead to crime (particularly among the young people), to boredom and to frustration.

5.       Considerable differences in the approach to education for leisure activities can be found throughout Council of Europe member states. Joint consideration of leisure policies, exchange of experiences and cooperation in solving problems can be beneficial for the quality of life of Europeans.

6.       Education for leisure activities has been recognised as a component of the field of education but such recognition is not broadly implemented. The forms and methods of such education appropriate for the specific needs of different groups should be carefully identified.

7.       Reference can be made to the “Leisure Education Charter” adopted in 1993 by the World Leisure and Recreation Association.

8.       Therefore the Assembly recommends that the Committee of Ministers explore how the Council of Europe can best address the question of education for leisure activities in its programmes, in particular by exchanging experiences, identifying different approaches and promoting best practice;

Signed (see overleaf)

Signed ¹:

Smorawiński, Poland, EPP/CD

Akçam, Turkey, EPP/CD

De Puig, Spain, SOC

Grzesik, Poland, EPP/CD

Hooper, United Kingdom, EDG

Kilclooney, United Kingdom, EPP/CD

Kroll, Poland, EPP/CD

Labucka, Latvia, EPP/CD

Muižniece, Latvia, EPP/CD

Prisăcaru, Romania, SOC

Tepshi, Albania, EPP/CD

Toshev, Bulgaria, EPP/CD

Wielowieyski, Poland, EPP/CD

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group