In 2021, EAEA members reported updated ALE strategies being drafted or adopted. In some countries, new strategies on sustainability are being launched, encouraging cross-sectoral cooperation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). That said, in many countries the implementation of SDGs and the involvement of the ALE sector remain fragmented.
The COVID-19 pandemic continued to affect adult learning provision. While a shift to predominantly online learning encouraged new learners to enrol, it also constituted a significant barrier for the most vulnerable adults. Those who did not feel digitally competent or confident, facing inadequate digital infrastructure or equipment continued to lose out on learning opportunities. To encourage participation in ALE, several ALE organisations in Europe improved their outreach work in 2021, for example by strengthening collaborations with local services.
The 2021 country reports also clearly indicate that the ALE sector in Europe uses a diversity of funding tools, which include project funding, programme funding, fees and structural funding, to name a few. Some members reported that the policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic had led to more funding for ALE; others regret that recovery strategies target predominantly the labour market, leaving out liberal adult education.
The reports are based on submissions from 37 EAEA member organisations representing 25 European countries. They can be explored through thematic tags and graphs comparing qualitative data.
Read the country reports on our dedicated website countryreport.eaea.org.