At the beginning of November, EAEA took part in the International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame European Chapter (HOFE) and its induction ceremony in the charming settings of the University of Florence.
The three days were organized in different working groups dedicated to the multifaceted aspects of adult learning education (ALE): from the mechanisms of networking, outreaching, and partnership to the challenges of diversity, integration, and recognition. The workshops were an opportunity to share practices, methodologies of cooperation, and engagement of stakeholders as well as new ideas on how to move further.
EAEA organized two working groups for the event. Structured by a roundtable discussion with experts on different topics related to ALE, they offered a space for confrontation on diverse practices to respond to similar and different needs, challenges, opportunities, and gaps for both the providers and the learners.
The first working group was held by Viola Pinzi, EAEA’s Head of Projects, on Micro-credential and Individual Learning Accounts with the presentations of Paolo Federighi from the University of Florence, Ann Carlsen from Nordic Network for Adult Learning and Kent Gudmundsen from the Norwegian Competence Association. The group discussed some core aspects of how micro-credentials can be modeled and implemented at the national and organizational level, and how to develop quality assurance systems that are appropriate also for the non-formal sector. Three proposals for potential collaborations were also discussed and brought forward:
- a capacity-building program for ALE organizations on quality assurance to support micro-credentials;
- a journal issue dedicated to a specific topic in this area;
- an exchange program about micro-credentials models and their application at the European, and potentially intercontinental, level.
The second working group was held by Gina Ebner, EAEA’s Secretary General, on Cooperation and Stakeholder Engagement for ALE with the presentations of Zvonka Pangerc Pahernik from the Slovenian Institute for Adult Education, Greta Pelucco from EAEA and Judith Alamprese from Abt Global. The group discussed what can be done to implement outreach and cooperation between different stakeholders on a multilevel approach as well as how to maintain the cooperation sustainable through stable partnerships and funding. Following this, experts shared some suggestions:
- increase the number of events and moments of confrontation between experts online and offline to exchange results, practices, and difficulties;
- increase the use of digital tools in outreach activities;
- creation of toolkits to use as dissemination tools.
During the conference, the 28th induction ceremony took place. Eighteen brilliant professionals active in America, Africa, and Europe in the field of adult and continuing education were awarded for the efforts and results they have obtained throughout their careers, dedication, and inspirational initiatives. EAEA had the honor of being inducted with the Organization Award for its contribution and impact on adult and continuing education.
This prestigious and international meeting created the perfect opportunity to reflect on what concrete actions could help ALE to move further and overcome the barriers that the field is facing on each continent. It provided a platform for professionals from various organizations, contexts, and realities to collaborate on new and joint initiatives and identify potential partners for transcontinental and transatlantic cooperations.
And as many of the inductees claimed during their speeches, we as EAEA agree that it’s not an individual award, but it’s a community award.
‘’EAEA is about the members across Europe, the advocates that we have, the people that are trying to make adult education a reality. It is not about our small office in Brussels, it is about our network of people that continue to exchange and to learn from each other and try and achieve something worth it in an ethical, positive, and democratic way.’’
– Gina Ebner
‘’EAEA is about the members across Europe, the advocates that we have, the people that are trying to make adult education a reality. It is not about our small office in Brussels, it is about our network of people that continue to exchange and to learn from each other and try and achieve something worth it in an ethical, positive, and democratic way.’’ – Gina Ebner.
Text: Greta Pelucco