EAEA's new paper explores access to adult learning in rural areas from various angles and aims to contribute to outreach approaches to adult learning and education.
17.11.2020 access, advocacy

New paper explores access to adult learning in rural areas

EAEA has published a new background paper on access to adult learning in rural areas. The paper aims to raise awareness of the barriers and challenges that rural adults face,  as well as the necessity for adult education providers and policy-makers to always take into consideration their unique context and needs.

This paper explores the barriers that prevent adults in rural areas from participating in education and learning, as well as successful practices that embrace the outreach and access theme and improve adult learning in rural areas.

The paper aims to raise awareness of adult learning in rural areas, as well as rural adults’ needs and context. It argues that learning in rural areas is not discussed as much as learning in urban spaces, politically or academically. Something that needs to be changed in order to allow more people to participate in learning and create programmes that reflect their real needs.

Download the paper here. The permanent link to the document can be found at the EAEA website in » Our work » Impacting policy » Statements.

News

More news >
10.02.2026 EAEA Annual Conference

Introducing EAEA’s 2026 Annual Theme: Resilience and Community-Building

EAEA'S 2026 annual theme is closely linked to current EU priorities, especially the Democracy Package - including the Civil Society Strategy and the Democracy Shield initiative. At a time of rising Euroscepticism and threats to democratic values, adult education has the power to strengthen democracy by promoting civic engagement, critical thinking and participation.

09.02.2026 climate

How learning and action shape a more sustainable society: golden nuggets from neuroscience to foster a constructive climate change debate

On February 4-5, EAEA participated in a learning symposium and keynote speech around climate education research and action, in Geneva, Switzerland. The events were organised in the context of the Horizon Europe LEVERs project, in which EAEA is a partner.

04.02.2026 digitalisation

Remote work: Challenges and opportunities for ALE in the digital world

EAEA’s Communication, Capacity-building and Membership Officer, Marina Sakač Hadžić, attended a conference on the topic of Remote Work & Social Change, taking place at the University of Antwerp on the 20th and 21st of January. She combines her work at EAEA with a PhD in law, bringing together insights from non-formal adult learning with ethnographic research.