EDUCATION AS A STRENGTHENING INSTRUMENT FOR WORKERS IN THE SOLIDARITY ECONOMY

Abstract

Solidarity Economy can be understood as economic experiences based on differentiated values ​​and practiced through self-management. This work aimed to understand how education can strengthen the Solidarity Economy, seeking to bring, even, some of the educational themes demanded by workers in ES. Initially, there was a dialogue about the role of Education in the Capitalist Mode of Production, in order to understand it, too, as an instrument of transformation. The possibilities of education spaces (formal, informal and non-formal education) were brought to the debate with a view to defending non-formal education as the most appropriate pedagogical space for SE, allied to the practice of popular education. Finally, an exploratory, descriptive and qualitative research, realized with the coordinators of the Solidarity Economy Forum of Guarabira and Region, through a focus group and semi-structured interviews, made it possible to verify several formative demands, related to the enterprise management, organizational aspects, but mainly on the principles and values ​​that guide SE. It is suggested the development of new research directed to these demands and concerned with the adaptation of scientific knowledge to the profile of the targeted public.