“I feel very honoured to having been inducted into the Hall of Fame, together with eminent experts such as Paolo Federighi or Rosa Falgàs, without whom adult education would have never played the role that it does today,” says Ms Ebner.
“I dedicate my induction to all EAEA members that have guided EAEA’s work through their vision and commitment to adult education. This is our common achievement.”
Bringing the empowerment and joy of learning to adults
Since she was appointed in 2007, Ms Ebner has had a transformative impact as the EAEA Secretary General. With a clear emphasis on bringing the empowerment and joy of learning to adults throughout Europe, she has continuously pushed for systemic change while maintaining that adult education is a right and a vital part of overall social justice.
The Manifesto for Adult Learning in the 21st Century, developed under her guidance, is not only a proof of her efforts in regard to advocacy, but has also become a living document that unites the EAEA members and encourages discussion on key political issues related to adult education.
Promoting the professional development of young and emergent leaders in adult education
The development of the EAEA Younger Staff Training, an advocacy training for younger staff in adult education, is a major achievement of Ms Ebner. Since its introduction in 2011, the training has provided a unique learning opportunity for more than 90 young and emergent leaders in adult education in Europe. Allowing young staff to learn about recent developments at the European and the national levels as well as giving a platform to the sharing of experience and expertise, it has become one of the central activities during EAEA’s annual work cycle.
Forging robust and effective relations with the European institutions
Ms Ebner has forged robust and effective relations with the European Commission as well as Members of the European Parliament, alongside other key institutions and stakeholders in European adult learning. Her efforts has also led to an increase in adult education supporters at the national level of EAEA member countries, where EAEA has been established as civil society experts and a key reference point for advocacy in adult education in Europe.
Text: EAEA, International Adult and Continuous Education Hall of FamePhotos: International Adult and Continuous Education Hall of Fame