FORMAL AND NON-FORMAL EDUCATION: CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Abstract

Education plays a fundamental role in the integral development of the cognitive, social, and emotional dimensions of children and young people. Traditionally, the educational process has been associated with formal education, carried out in educational institutions with structured curricula, defined objectives and clear organizacional framework. However, contemporary studies highlight the relevance of non-formal education, developed in community, cultural, sporting, and social spaces, as a primary complement to human formation and to contribute to society. This article aims to analyze and highlight the contributions of both formal and non-formal education to the integral development of children and young people, emphasizing the importance integrating these educational modalities and their influence on the cognitive development of young individuals. This research adopts a qualitative approach, based on a bibliographic review of classic and contemporary authors in the educational field. The results indicate that formal education contributes mainly to cognitive development and structured socialization, while non-formal education stimulates socio-emotional skills, autonomy, and citizenship. It is concluded that the articulation between formal and non-formal education enhances learning processes, promoting a broader, more critical and humanized education, thus enabling the individual to play a more significant role within society.