To launch the international training, Professor Simeon-Fayomi Bolanle Clara (PhD), expert in Adult Education and Lifelong Learning at Obafemi Awolowo University, led participants through an interactive storytelling session. At the conclusion of the story and accompanying dance, participants shared reflections on working collectively in their communities to address climate action, expressing gratitude for natural resources and awareness of pressing climate challenges.
What Is the Twin Transition?
In the opening session, Charlotte Ede, Capacity-Building and Projects Coordinator, explored the various definitions of the twin transition. She highlighted scholarly interpretations and emphasised the importance of understanding it as a purposeful, sustainable shift—environmentally, socially, and economically. As not everyone has equal access to resources, skills, or opportunities, such societal shifts may not benefit everyone equally. This is why it is critical to ensure that no one is left behind. The socially fair definition referenced draws on work from the #TWININ Erasmus+ project, whose first deliverable examines the meaning of the twin transition in the context of agri-food systems and adult learning. More information can be found here: European Association for the Education of Adults » TWIN IN.
Study Visits to BeCentral – A Local Hub for Digital Learning
In the afternoon of the first day, participants visited the BeCentral Campus in Brussels, a hub for both profit and non-profit organisations committed to social responsibility, innovation, and digital upskilling. During the visit, participants met with FARI – AI for the Common Good Institute – to explore the practical uses and environmental impacts of artificial intelligence. At the Orange FabLab, they learned about inclusive education strategies, including free access to training on programmes and machinery, as well as efforts to improve communication and accessibility. These visits offered valuable insight into the potential of digitalisation in adult learning, showcasing peer-based and experiential learning methods in action.
The Just Twin Transition for All
Day two focused on advocacy fundamentals, inspiration from practitioners, and the development of advocacy plans. Angeliki Giannakopoulou, Senior Policy and Projects Coordinator, introduced the JUST4ALL project and its work on the Just Transition, guiding participants through the concept of a just twin transition and stressing the importance of bottom-up and grassroots advocacy. She also presented EAEA’s involvement in the European Alliance for the Just Transition and its contributions to European Commission working groups on Adult Education and Equality. Angeliki reminded participants that “as individuals, we are part of policy actions. Our decisions to march, to demonstrate, to network, and to push for our learners’ needs make ALE an integral part of the twin transition.” Participants then explored six steps for effective advocacy and began planning their own objectives and actions.
World Café with Twin Transition and Education Advocates
A World Café session featured five key organisations sharing their work with participants:
- Andrei Frank, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator, Lifelong Learning Platform
- Andrea Cassamenti, Just Transition Policy Coordinator, SOLIDAR
- Simone Schirru, Social and Economic Policy Lead, RREUSE
- Majda Richer, Research and Projects, ICAE
- Sandra Gillner, European Advisor for Education, SwissCore
Discussions underscored the need for greater collaboration on the just twin transition, both nationally and internationally.
“This interpersonal communication and teamwork is such an important aspect of the workshop. Working together and sharing our views helps us collaborate on this important topic.”
-Words from a participant after the World Cafe session.
Enhancing the Learner’s Voice
In the afternoon, Angeliki Giannakopoulou introduced the concept of integrating learners’ voices into advocacy messaging. Drawing on the ENHANCE – Enhance Learner’s Voice – project, she emphasised that listening is just as vital as speaking. Educators, managers, and peers must create space to hear learners’ perspectives. Using this learner-centred approach, participants crafted advocacy messages and identified target groups for future efforts.
Later, Greta Pelucco, Research & Policy Coordinator at EAEA, led a session on building effective cooperation for the twin transition. Participants explored how to develop stakeholder partnerships—from informal to formal—and worked on mapping stakeholders and drafting advocacy pitches tailored to their local contexts.
Building Advocacy Plans and Pitching
On the final morning, participants practiced pitching their advocacy ideas to stakeholders. Tina Mavrich, Head of Capacity Building at EAEA, introduced psychological insights from the LEVERs Horizon Europe project for climate justice. She presented three key ideas:
- The Elephant and the Rider – Recognising the balance between intuition (the elephant) and reasoning (the rider) helps advocates align their messages with stakeholders’ values and emotional responses.
- Ginger the Dog – Not everything we say is understood as we intend. Clear, accessible language helps ensure our message is received as intended.
- Actions Drive Beliefs – Actions, rather than awareness alone, shape attitudes and values. Highlighting practical examples and best practices helps make beliefs tangible.
With this psychological lens, participants tailored action plans and created roadmaps for engaging stakeholders effectively.
Testing the ALE4TT Toolkit
To conclude, participants tested the ALE4TT toolkit, which will be published later this year. They explored examples such as Switzerland’s Basic Skills schemes and the Inner Development Goals, and evaluated draft policy recommendations. Majda Richer, ICAE and Marianne Muller, SVEB, took the feedback on board to develop them further later.
“A sense of purpose and agency is what ultimately fuels sustained, meaningful action.”
– from ALE4TT Policy Recommendations
