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EPALE - Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe

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EPALE 2024 Thematic Focuses

The 2024 EPALE Thematic Focuses cast a glance at three essential challenges of our current world.

EPALE 2024 Thematic Focuses

Always at the forefront of efforts to respond and adapt to societal changes, the last few years have severely challenged education systems and educators all over the world. In 2023, in particular, we experienced a slow recovery and geopolitical tensions, which are likely to continue in 2024. 

In this context, and with a strong link with the ongoing European Year of Skills, the 2024 EPALE Thematic Focuses cast a glance at three essential challenges of our current world to help us reflect and build new practices in Adult learning and education.

Let’s take a closer look!

Upskilling and Reskilling for the Digital Transition

The incredibly fast-paced technological developments of the past few years have affected all aspects of our everyday lives. This pervasiveness can lead to a sense of inevitability and powerlessness towards processes that are often perceived as being too complex to grasp. We need to be protagonists rather than mere spectators of these changes. In this way, we can navigate and - most importantly - shape them. EPALE, in 2024, wants to delve deep into this key issue, particularly exploring how adult educators and learners can retrieve agency and master digital change. We will investigate the importance of equipping adults with a wide range of digital skills, from basic digital literacy to data literacy and algorithm literacy.

One of the priorities of this focus will be women’s empowerment in tech. How can we tackle the underrepresentation of women in ICT professions and STEM education? What are the best practices to ensure that education and training lead to effective and lasting labour market integration of women? How does gender bias affect technology, and what role can adult learning and education play in untangling this?

Adult Learning for Sustainable Development

As the effects of the climate crisis are clear for all to see over Europe and across the world, a renewed awareness leads us to accelerate the green transition in all areas and sectors of society.
Adult learning and training can play a major role in building capacity in this field. On the one hand, developing green skills is crucial as it enables adults to master new green technologies and work processes. While on the other hand, adult learning can support citizens’ capacity to “think and act green” (European Skills Agenda), and become full global citizens, aware of their impact on the environment.

With this focus, EPALE will investigate how the education and training sector can act for a greener, more sustainable future by strengthening the sustainability competences and skills of adult learners. How can we ensure that sustainability and ecological literacy are integrated into adult education programmes and educators’ training? How do we train workforces to develop a green skillset that is aligned with the current challenges? And, most of all, what are the potentialities of adult learning to drive long-term change?

Adult Learning as a Way Out of Poverty

Poverty is a complex, multi-dimensional, phenomenon: its definition goes beyond a mere income-based definition and encompasses other disadvantages, such as disempowerment, vulnerability and discrimination. Reducing inequalities, fighting social exclusion and tackling poverty, thus, are all intertwined efforts that require a joint commitment in promoting equal opportunities for all. Just, fair and equal access to education has direct and indirect impacts on both economic growth and social inclusion. EPALE recognises adult learning and education as a core lever for reducing poverty and tackling inequalities.

With this focus, we will investigate the relationship between poverty and education. How can we tackle the root causes of poor educational performance, including early school leaving, by looking at lifelong learning with a holistic approach? What are the best practices and methodologies to support learners’ empowerment and sense of ownership in educational paths? We will also focus on skills validation as a way of empowering people to unleash their potential and thrive, both in the workplace and society at large.

Likeme (67)
Themes addressed
Social inclusion
Community learning
Basic skills
Sustainability
European Year of Skills
Equality
Upskilling and reskilling
Barriers to learning
Digital skills
Digital inclusion
Entrepreneurship and employability
Participation

Comments

There is a fourth missing challenge in my view and this is keeping up learning  at a later age even after the age of 65. This is crucial for several reasons and should indeed be a core pillar of continuous development. As people live longer and healthier lives, learning doesn't have to stop at retirement; in fact, lifelong learning can offer numerous benefits:

  1. Cognitive Health: Engaging in new learning experiences can help keep the brain active and improve cognitive functions. Studies suggest that lifelong learning may delay the onset of cognitive decline, reduce the risk of dementia, and enhance memory.
  2. Physical Well-being: Some adult education programs include physical activities like yoga, tai chi, or even dance classes, which promote not only mental health but also physical health. These activities help maintain mobility, reduce the risk of falls, and boost overall well-being.
  3. Social Connection: Learning opportunities, such as group classes or workshops, foster social interaction. Maintaining strong social connections is vital for mental health, reducing loneliness, and promoting a sense of belonging.
  4. Personal Fulfillment: Many adults after 65 are looking to pursue passions or interests they may not have had time for during their working years. Education in the form of hobbies, art, music, or new skills brings a sense of accomplishment and joy.
  5. Economic Benefits: For those who wish to continue working or even switch careers after retirement, acquiring new skills or certifications can open up opportunities for part-time work or consultancy roles, contributing to financial stability.
  6. Empowerment and Independence: Adult learning enables seniors to stay informed about new technologies, changes in society, and healthcare. This empowerment can make them more independent, as they can adapt to changes, manage their own health, and navigate the digital world.

Besides by making adult learning accessible, communities and governments can help create a society that values and supports older individuals. Not only does it contribute to the well-being of seniors, but it also strengthens the community by fostering inclusivity and respect for the wisdom and experience older adults bring.

  1. Strengthening Social Networks: Regular communication with peers creates a sense of community and belonging, helping individuals feel less isolated. Social interactions with people of similar age or interests are key in reducing loneliness, which is a common challenge for older adults.
  2. Emotional Support: Engaging in learning activities with peers provides emotional support and the opportunity to share experiences. Peer communication helps individuals feel understood and validated, which is particularly important for emotional well-being as people age.
  3. Collaboration and Shared Learning: When older adults learn together, they exchange knowledge, experiences, and ideas. This collaborative approach enhances learning and creates opportunities for shared growth, which can be more enjoyable and enriching. Peer interaction encourages the exchange of tips, advice, and personal stories, adding practical value to the learning process.
  4. Improving Communication Skills: Continued interaction with others can help seniors maintain and enhance their communication skills, which may otherwise decline with age. Active participation in group discussions, presentations, or debates stimulates mental faculties and helps individuals stay engaged and articulate.
  5. Encouraging Motivation and Engagement: Peer learning environments often foster a sense of accountability and motivation. When individuals are part of a group, they are more likely to stay committed to their learning goals, as they can encourage and support each other in their journeys.
  6. Sharing Resources and Opportunities: Communication among peers also provides opportunities for discovering new resources, such as local educational programs, volunteer opportunities, or even social events. Seniors can exchange information that might not be easily accessible, expanding their horizons.

Incorporating structured opportunities for peer communication within adult learning programs can lead to a more fulfilling and socially connected experience for older adults. Creating spaces for meaningful interactions—whether through group discussions, community projects, or simply informal meetups—ensures that learning becomes not only an individual pursuit but also a collective experience that brings people closer together. This approach contributes to the holistic health and well-being of older adults, enriching their lives in ways that go beyond education alone.

Likeme (0)

Global3CCS, with its focus on innovative and sustainable systems, aligns closely with EPALE’s 2024 themes. Adult education and training in digital and technological skills are key for the digital transition, aligning with Global3CCS’s goal of advanced engineering and sustainable technology training. Additionally, its commitment to the green economy and inclusion of women in technology resonates with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in quality education, gender equality, and industrial innovation. This alignment underscores Global3CCS’s importance in contributing to sustainable development and adult education.

@Global3CCSTeam #EPALE2024 #SustainableDevelopment #AdultEducation

Likeme (2)

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