BEEP: Basic Education and Empowerment for Political Participation

Here at AONTAS, we believe that adult education can strengthen democracy. That’s why we got involved in the Basic Education and Empowerment for Political Participation (BEEP) Erasmus+ project.   

BEEP identifies barriers to democratic participation for groups across Europe, and then develops teaching methods that can empower citizens to overcome these obstacles to participation. 

What are AONTAS doing?  

Working with pour partners on the BEEP project, we have put together a BEEP research paper. In an attempt to understand who is excluded and who considers themselves excluded from political participation, our research focuses on defining what “policy” and “participation” mean, followed by discussions with learners, teachers and stakeholders. The final section of the report consists of a collection of participatory processes in the partner countries, as well as other countries of the European Union. 

As well as research, we ran a series of workshops, classes, walks and lecturers with adult learners across Europe. We designed participative learning activities that worked with adult learners to get involved in local politics beyond casting a vote. In Ireland, AONTAS worked with learner councils in Education and Training Boards to support them with identifying the change they want to make and how to make it happen. Following on from the feedback gathered at these learning events the BEEP Partners will create guidelines for educators and policy makers who want to strengthen democracy through adult education.

Read our blog on BEEP: Education for Democracy, Empowerment for Political Participation 

Who is involved?  

BEEP is a collaborative, transnational partnership, funded by the European Commsion’s Erasmus+ programme. The project is coordinated by lernraum.wien (Wiener Volkshochschulen). The consortium consists of: lernraum.wien (Austria), Dafni Kek (Greece), Aontas (Ireland), Amar Terra Verde LDA (Portugal) and Arcipelago (Italy).

What impact have we had/will we have with this project? 

The BEEP workshops run by AONTAS received positive responses from the participants. They expressed their thoughts and feelings about the session: 

• One participant said, "I understand more now." 
• Another participant shared, "I feel like I can do something about what I care about." 
• Some participants described the workshop as "fun," "good," "educational," and "satisfying." 
• One participant felt "energizing" after the workshop. 
• The group appeared enthused after the session. 

More information and funding 

Visit the BEEP project website and check out our handbook, research and guidelines! 

This project is funded by the European Union through Erasmus+ Adult Education KA220 Cooperation Partnerships. Apply for similar funding in Ireland through Léargas. 

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Reference no: 2021-2-AT01-KA220-ADU-000048693

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