EAEA is a European NGO whose purpose is to link and represent European organisations directly involved in adult learning. Originally known as the European Bureau of Adult Education, EAEA was founded in 1953 by representatives from a number of European countries.
EAEA promotes adult learning and access to and participation in non-formal adult education for all, particularly for groups currently under-represented.
EAEA’s main roles
Advocacy work
- We influence policies on non-formal adult education and lifelong learning;
- We cooperate with EU institutions, national and regional governments and many international and national NGOs, for example the Council of Europe, the International Council for Adult Education (ICAE), UNESCO and American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE);
- We are a member of several influential European associations and platforms, like Lifelong Learning Platform, Concord Europe, Social Platform and European Movement International;
- We represent adult education civil society in official working groups and conferences.
Providing resources
- We release publications and reports as well as project information and results;
- We provide statements and recommendations for our members’ policy work;
- We help our members with partner search and dissemination of projects and events.
Offering information
- We provide up-to-date information on EU developments;
- We send newsletters and have a specific member mailing list;
- We inform the public through the EAEA webpage and social media (Facebook, Twitter).
Establishing networks
- We facilitate contacts with and between adult education stakeholders and other NGOs;
- We work closely with EU decision-makers;
- We cooperate with other research and development institutions, including universities.
Creating a community
- EAEA is a network of more than 130 associations from across Europe.