ROLE AND PLACE OF LIFE-LONG LEARNING IN THE UNIVERSITY EDUCATION SYSTEM

The paper presents the analysis of continuing education as a social phenomenon, its nature, basic aspects, and principles, as well as the experience of Kazan Federal University in implementing a life-long learning (LLL) program, its basic stages and achievements. The authors arrive at the conclusion that the LLL program can help to promote social inclusion and personal fulfillment, as well as to increase people's employability and social adaptability The central point of the program is the idea that people at any age and at any stage of their life should have a chance to take intense training courses in various fields of knowledge. Kazan Federal University offers a multifaceted LLL program that has several levels and profiles. There is the Children's University for children aged 5 to 14 aimed to promote scientific knowledge among children. Senior schoolers choose to enter one of 9 departments of our Minor University, a pre-university training center targeting development of creative activity and cognitive abilities of teenagers. Minor University enrolls about 500 students. Having entered the university, the students have a lot of opportunities to take optional short- and long-term courses in different fields of knowledge The program includes the University of the Third Age, a unique and exciting phenomenon providing life-enhancing and life-changing opportunities. (C) 2019 INT TRANS J ENG MANAG SCI TECH.