Resilience-building in ALE from a community perspective at the ABC of ALE training 2026

On a sunny week in late September, 12 participants from across the EU network and beyond gathered in Brussels to learn about Adult Learning and Education from EAEA’s perspective, with a particular focus on the role of ALE actors in advocacy and community-building.

The training began by setting the stage for what adult learning and education mean in practice. Led by Marina Sakač Hadžić, EAEA’s Communication, Capacity Building and Membership Officer, participants were introduced to EAEA’s mission and history, as well as the roots of Bildung, based on the idea that education fosters self-awareness and personal growth. The session also encouraged reflection and set expectations for the days ahead.

Exploring the role of ALE in advocacy & democracy

Greta Pelucco, Director of Policy Affairs at EAEA, facilitated a discussion on the relationship between adult learning and democracy, exploring how education can shape democracy, critical thinking and participation. The session led to the introduction of the European Democracy Shield and the EU Civil Society Strategy and its focus on the role education has played in shaping a societal narrative in countries for centuries.

Participants reflected on the role of ALE providers not simply as education providers, but as community spaces where people meet, exchange perspectives, develop confidence and learn to participate in society.

The discussion connected these roles to advocacy, highlighting how ALE organisations and civil society can contribute to democratic decision-making and resilient communities. Participants were invited to consider a central question: if democracy depends on people’s ability to understand, question, participate and organise, can adult learning be understood as part of Europe’s democratic infrastructure?

A visit to the European Parliament

A highlight of the training was stepping into the hub of European democracy at the European Parliament for the EU Democracy Forum. Discussions highlighted the importance of trusted relationships, grassroots communities, civil society and educators in strengthening democratic resilience and engaging citizens.

A key message was that civil society should be treated as a genuine partner in democratic decision-making, with meaningful and early involvement rather than consultation only after decisions have already been made.

The Forum brought these discussions directly into the context of EAEA’s 2026 theme of resilience and community-building, showing how ALE can create the skills, trusted spaces and community connections that enable people to participate actively in democratic life.

 Participants further explored the annual theme through a workshop led by Charlotte Ede, Learning & Project Coordinator, where participants designed their own roadmap towards a future resilient ALE ecosystem embedded in local community. Innovative aspects of the roadmaps included civic and media literacy as core stages, open days with local communities and outreach work.

ALE Centres as Community Anchors

A visit to CVO Crescendo, part of the GO! education network and a member of EAEA, demonstrated how adult education centres can act as community anchors. Ariane Jacobs presented their approach to being “close to the community”, including work in prisons and primary schools, as well as collaboration with local literacy organisations, libraries and the town of Mechelen.

Participants experienced the benefits of community-based programmes through an interactive tour of Mechelen, guided by the Mechelen Ambassadors, a result of a training programme run by CVO Crescendo.

“I liked the study visit to Mechelen the most, it was very inspirational. I also really enjoyed the networking, discussion and exchange with colleagues about best practices in their organisations. I truly enjoyed the ‘hands-on’ part of the training, where we were able to see the reality of European Parliament discussions as well as CVO Crescendo’s work in action.” – ABC of ALE participant, 2026

Going back to the roots of ALE

The training then turned back to the foundations and purpose of adult learning and education, exploring what ALE is and what it is for. Participants were introduced to important theoretical perspectives and to the principles of non-formal ALE  by Gina Ebner, Deputy-Secretary General of EAEA. The final part of the training brought these different perspectives together, encouraging participants to reflect on how the role of ALE has evolved and how adult learning can contribute to resilient individuals, connected communities and democratic societies

Text: Charlotte EdePhotos: Charlotte Ede