ALE can contribute significantly to achieving the objectives of the new European Democracy Action Plan.
07.09.2020

Adult learning and education for strengthening democratic values

EAEA welcomes the consultation on a European Democracy Action Plan launched by the European Commission. Adult learning and education (ALE) can contribute significantly to achieving the objectives of the new Democracy Action Plan. The public consultation will remain open until 15 September.

Download EAEA’s statement on the consultation.

Non-formal adult learning and education has emancipatory and transformative learning at its core – represented across the traditions of ‘liberal’ adult education, popular education, Nordic ‘folkbildning’ and German ‘Bildung’. The sector’s foundational pillars are built around civic engagement, critical thinking and the promotion of democratic values such as social pluralism and inclusion. It also provides the necessary skills and tools to understand and participate in society. Promoting active citizenship, democracy and participation through ALE is one of the cornerstones of EAEA’s work.

EAEA urges the European Commission to:

  • Embrace a holistic approach to democracy that puts a stronger emphasis on the role of civil society, including in lifelong learning and ALE
  • Recognise the key role of non-formal adult learning and education (ALE) in providing the skills and competences needed for active citizenship, democratic engagement and critical thinking
  • Promote civic education (or ‘citizenship education’) for adults by strengthening this key area of ALE within EU programmes and by allocating specific funding to this area
  • Strengthen civil society in ALE by encouraging the creation of national umbrella organisations in countries where they do not exist yet
  • Protect the space for civil society, to further encourage EU Member States to interact and consult with civil society all over Europe, and to seek civil dialogue with countries outside of the EU

Text: EAEA

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.

30.10.2023 EAEA Grundtvig Award 2023

Sustainable agriculture and women's empowerment in Armenia

In the picturesque regions of Shirak and Gegharkunik in Armenia, an initiative was born with a clear mission: to enhance the economic well-being of local women. While focusing on economic empowerment it has also sparked a green revolution in the community. This project has earned itself the 2023 EAEA Grundtvig Award in the national category for adult learning and the green transition.