AONTAS also highlighted the value of the wider benefits of adult learning, community education, and non-formal and informal education.
The EAAL National Coordinator Network provides a space for countries to collaborate, learn, and share best practice on adult learning. During this meeting participants focused on the current situation of adult learning across Europe, project reporting, funding mechanisms and support structures.
Planning also began for Peer Learning Activities that will be developed and attended by international experts and National Coordinators during 2020 and 2021 with core areas of focus to include:
- Adult learning provision and flexible learning
- Cooperation at all levels
- Guidance, recruitment and assessment
- Digital skills and digital inclusion
- Capacity building for adult education staff
On reflection, one striking point arising from the meeting was the fact that the current overarching European policy framework for adult learning, the Council Resolution on a renewed European agenda for adult learning (2011), is soon coming to an end this year. Whilst adult learning contributes to achieving a range of other EU policy agendas, post 2020 it is essential that it has a specific Council Resolution which names and prioritises adult learning. In the past, adult learning has suffered from being ‘everywhere and nowhere’, a specific EU policy is crucial to affording adult learning the recognition it deserves and the targeted resources it requires to continue delivering positive outcomes for learners.
‘Adult and Community Education: Supported Learner Pathways’ 2020-2021 is AONTAS’ new EAAL project. This project will focus on the recognition of prior learning undertaking national research, professional development for adult educators, and a pilot study in a community education centre. We will continue to support learner advocacy through our new Learner’s as Leader’s programme, provide outreach through the free One Step Up Information and Referral Service, run national campaigns, host seminars and workshops, and more.
If you would like to get involved or find out more information, please contact EU Project Officer Dearbháil Lawless on dlawless@aontas.com or 01 406 8220
