14.11.2019

Adult Education and Citizenship

EAEA sees adult education as a central pillar to improving citizenship education within the European Union. In a newly published report on Adult Education and Citizenship, EAEA puts forward a number of recommendations on how to make citizenship a part of adult education provision.

The report discusses how citizenship education is becoming more poignant in contemporary society given the present political climate. Lifelong learning is a cornerstone to good citizenship education provision. By supporting people in developing the skills needed to engage actively in society they become better practiced, recognise how those skills remain relevant in an ever changing world, as well as involve those who did not receive appropriate citizenship education at school.

A very brief summary of the recommendations made:

  • Recognition and prioritisation of adult education, especially informal education, and adult education trainers
  • Policy makers should encourage the creation of opportunities for the adult learners to use and develop their citizenship skills
  • Education providers also have a role to play by encouraging citizenship-relevant skills: improving learners’ confidence and ability to participate they will be better prepared to engage as citizens when opportunities arise

Read the full AE and Citizenship paper pdf

28.11.2023 financing

Decreasing funding levels - and yet expecting miracles?

Recent reports from EAEA’s members reveal that Adult Learning and Education is facing considerable financial cuts in many European countries. Notably, Sweden and Finland which are known for their traditionally strong support of non-formal ALE, are now facing severe cuts.

27.11.2023 cooperation

Connecting research, policy and practice: a new collaboration brings EAEA and ESREA closer together

A memorandum of understanding, signed last summer by EAEA and the European Society for Research on the Education of Adults (ESREA), aims to strengthen the collaboration between the two organisations. EAEA’s Gina Ebner and ESREA’s Marcella Milana reflect on the past and future activities that brought both networks closer.

21.11.2023 advocacy

We need skills for the labour market - and beyond!

EAEA welcomes the great interest that the European Year of Skills (EYS) has brought to skills and ALE, as we believe that this area is of enormous importance for the future of Europe. Six months into the thematic year, it is time to take stock, shedding light on the connection between skills and work – and looking at how we can go beyond skills for the labour market.