Read the full statement: Include adult learners in Erasmus+ mobility actions – but do it right! (pdf)
EAEA has observed some issues in the implementation of mobility actions for adult learners in the new Erasmus+ programme. The issues include the definition of the target groups and, in particular, the focus on ‘low-skilled’ adults that may reinforce stigma and discrimination. Moreover, funding for individual adult learners remains lower than for adult educators, while burdensome conditions may hamper the participation of adult learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. In addition, the lack of uniform quality criteria, pressure on the learning choices, as well as financial and organisational barriers to cooperation require action from policy makers.
Mobility for adult learners in Erasmus+ is crucial, as it offers much-needed learning provision and helps to put the right to lifelong learning into practice. It promotes European values and democracy, while creating multipliers of adult learning. Finally, it supports the physical and mental health of people and increases their well-being.
In this statement, EAEA suggests the following recommendations to European policy makers:
- Make the participation in Erasmus+ mobility actions a right for adults from all backgrounds, also by providing sufficient funding to sending and receiving organisations.
- Focus on learning objectives rather than specific target groups, to make learning inclusive.
- Provide additional support for learners with lower educational attainments, special learning needs, disabilities, parenting and caregiving responsibilities.
- Raise awareness among social partners of the individual learning needs and ambitions of adults – that may legitimately transcend the temporary and short-term priorities of the labour market and employers, and that should be respected.
- Promote, and fund, also virtual and online mobility programmes for all adult learners.
Text: EAEA