On 1–2 October 2019 in Warsaw, Poland, EPALE organised a pan-European stakeholder conference. 

Take a look at the conference report to view a summary of all the presentations, plensary sessions and workshops from the event. You can also view all the presentation files form the conference.

Watch the live recordings from our event below!

Tuesday, 1 October: Day 1

08.30                     Registration and refreshments

09.30                     Welcome and ice breaker

• Moderation:                     Tamsin Rose
• Opening message:           European Commission
• Welcome to Warsaw:     Paweł Poszytek, General Director of Foundation for the Development of Education System

10.00                     EPALE inspiration

• A short case study from Hakan Yandim – an active EPALE community member – on how EPALE benefits him as an adult learning professional

10.10                     The next phase of EPALE

• A presentation by Wilhelm Vukovich (DG EAC, European Commission) outlining future plans for the site.

10.30                     The EPALE community

• A presentation by Faye Hindle-Lewis from the Central Support Service on how the EPALE community reflects the adult learning sector across Europe, and how the site is used by the community

10.50                     Coffee break

11.20     Round table – Keeping a finger on the pulse of adult learning – how can EPALE’s content stay relevant and engaging for its diverse community

• Participants will hear about a range of ways in which EPALE is used to support adult learning, including how the site can support Erasmus+ projects and how OERs and MOOCs are increasing the scope of EPALE. Participants will hear from NSSs, EPALE Thematic Coordinators, users and stakeholders, giving a range of perspectives and case studies. This session will include a live interactive user survey, giving participants the opportunity to feedback on their EPALE experience and also to suggest themes and topics. Panellists: Christian Friedrich, Dimitrios Kiriakos, Filiz Keser Aschenberger, Gina Ebner, Marin Johnson, and Martin Elung-Jensen

12.30                     Lunch and networking

14.00                     EPALE as a powerful sharing and collaboration tool

• This workshop looks at empowering adult learning professionals through a communication platform and its resources, and by strengthening a Eurocentric approach. The workshop aims to encourage participants to look at adult education from a more European perspective.

15.30                     Coffee break

16.00                     EPALE inspiration

• A short case study from Soňa Štefková – an active EPALE community member – on how EPALE benefits her as an adult learning professional

16.10                     Workshop conclusions and reflections on the day

17.00                     EPALE inspiration

• A short case study from Aleksandra Zawalska-Hawel – an active EPALE community member – on how EPALE benefits her as an adult learning professional

17.10                     EPALE inspiration

• The day will close with an inspirational case study from Ramon Mangion on how EPALE benefits him as an adult learning professional

A networking event will take place in the evening for all delegates

Wednesday, 2 October: Day 2

09.00                     Welcome and reflections on Day 1

09.20                     EPALE inspiration

• A short case study from Irina Sadakova – an active EPALE community member – on how EPALE benefits her as an adult learning professional

09.30                     Five Workshops – keeping EPALE relevant

1. EPALE as an upskilling tool         

• This workshop focuses on the adult skills needed in 2019/2020 and how EPALE can support adult learning and upskilling. Considering the needs of EPALE’s different target groups, the workshop will reflect on EPALE’s potential in the context of the content and resources available on the platform. Workshop moderator: David Mallows

2. EPALE as a monitor for developments in adult education            

• Given the dynamic nature of the adult learning sector, this shared workshop brings together all participants to discuss how policymakers can benefit from EPALE. Workshop moderator: Laura Austen-Gray

3. Learner Voice in Adult Education: The Importance of Authentic and Meaningful Engagement               

• This workshop will include best practice examples of learner voice with particular focus on the work of AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation in Ireland. This includes the largest qualitative research project in Europe; the National Further Education and Training Learner Forum, learner voice stories and campaigns, governance representation, and adult education events. Workshop moderator: Dearbháil Lawless

4. How projects can use EPALE – a guide

• One of EPALE’s most popular functionalities is the ability to find practical information relevant to users’ daily work. This workshop introduces a flyer that has been specifically developed to support and engage Erasmus+ projects. All newly funded projects in Germany will receive this flyer explaining how to use EPALE throughout the project life cycle. Workshop moderator: Christine Bertram

5. Continuing VET on EPALE

• Given the vastly diverse VET landscapes in Europe, this workshop aims to explore EPALE’s contribution to fostering a dialog on good practices and providing a space for cooperation in continuing VET. Workshop moderator: Gina Ebner

11.00     Think piece – The secret behind Nordic adult learning and opportunities for the future

• The Nordic countries stand out in a number of ways: happiest peoples, best for business, high levels of trust etc. The secret behind these many positive traits is adult education, but not just any adult education; there is a secret to the Nordic adult education as well. Lene Rachel Andersen will give a short glimpse into the Nordic tradition in adult education and a vision for adult education of the future

11.30                     Workshop conclusions and closing remarks

12.15                     Close