15.01.2025

Raffaela Kihrer becomes EAEA’s new Secretary General

From January 2025, Raffaela Kihrer, former Deputy-Secretary General for EAEA, has taken on the role of Secretary General, signalling a new era for the leadership in EAEA.

From January 1, 2025, Raffaela Kihrer is instated as the new EAEA Secretary General, and Gina Ebner will remain in the organisation as the Deputy Secretary-General.

The changes were approved by the Executive Board, with great thanks being shared for Ebner’s long-term as the head of EAEA.

“The Board and I as the president of EAEA are confident that with this step, we assure a maximum smooth transition in this key position to a colleague, who has proved her excellence and passion already for many years in various capacities,” said Uwe Gartenschlaeger. “At the same time, I would like to express my gratitude to Gina for her incredible contribution to the development of ALE in Europe.”

Ebner served 17 years as Secretary General, and is now looking forward to reducing her workload, as an opportunity to spend more time with her dog, Lexie.

“The Board and I as the president of EAEA are confident that with this step, we assure a maximum smooth transition in this key position”

Uwe Gartenschlaeger

In an email message to EAEA members sent at the end of 2024, Raffaela Kihrer reflects on the upcoming change:

“I’m excited to embrace my new role from the beginning of next year. I’m very much looking forward to working closely with all of you. Our team has grown in recent years and adult learning and education is also receiving increasing attention at the European level: this means new challenges, but also great opportunities for a strong voice of adult learning and education. I’m particularly happy that I can do this together with Gina, and I’m confident that we’ll make a great team in managing EAEA. Together, Gina and I will work on keeping EAEA strong, dynamic, and maybe even occasionally well-rested!”

EAEA’s secretariat congratulates the pair for their decision, and thanks our members for the ongoing support.

Text: EAEA

11.02.2025 advocacy

Advancing Gender Equality in Lifelong Learning: Insights from the Gender Equality Task Force Kick-off Meeting

At the beginning of February, the Gender Equality Task Force for Lifelong Learning organised an online kick-off for its 2025 activities. The webinar was an opportunity for the members of the Task Force, including policy advisors, institutional directors, project officers, and public authorities, to discuss the initiative’s upcoming activities. 17 participants attended the meeting.

07.02.2025 Project Design Training

From idea to impact – lessons from Project Design Training

In January 2025, EAEA organised the Project Design training programme, aimed at equipping professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to develop sustainable and impactful projects in the field of Adult Learning and Education (ALE). The training covered key aspects such as funding opportunities, ALE policy, project conceptualisation, work plan development, budgeting, evaluation, and dissemination. Additionally, it fostered collaboration among participants from various countries.

07.02.2025 projects

Towards equitable adult education: Collaboration kicks off in INCLUSIVE-PATH 

The INCLUSIVE-PATH project aims to improve lifelong learning opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by addressing systemic challenges and enhancing educational support.