11.04.2022

Include adult learners in Erasmus+ mobility actions – but do it right!

EAEA strongly supports the inclusion of adult learners in mobility actions in the new Erasmus+ programme from 2021 to 2027. However, first experiences from some European Member States show that the implementation of mobility actions for adult learners suffers from ‘teething problems’. We addressed this issue in our new statement, alongside a set of recommendations, to improve the programme.

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

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.