A celebration of lifelong learning in Slovakia highlighted the strength of collaboration across Europe’s adult education community. As the 25th Lifelong Learning Week was launched, the event also paid tribute to those shaping the field, including EAEA’s former Secretary General Gina Ebner, who was recognised for her long-standing commitment to advancing adult learning.
“I’m honoured and humbled to receive this award,” said Ebner. “The basis for the contribution is, of course, the excellent work that AIVD has done. I was able to follow and support some of their activities, and they have always represented civil society in the best possible way: making constructive proposals for the improvement of adult learning in Slovakia, looking for cooperation with other stakeholders and being a critical friend of the ministry are just some of the work they have done. One also has to keep in mind that everyone, and especially the AIVD president, Klaudius Šilhár, did everything on a voluntary basis. I’m very happy to see that this is now bearing fruit and AIVD has even become the quality assurance organisation for staff. Thank you very much for the Award! I look forward to continuing to work with the Slovakian colleagues.”
Text: EAEA