In the Erasmus+ KA 1 project, we have carried out various mobilities for adult educators to gain new knowledge and experience in the use of theatre methods in adult education. The project " Theatre of Equality: social inclusion through theatre" aimed to train adult educators in formal and non-formal adult education in the soft method of theatre to promote social inclusion, motivation, working with vulnerable target groups and problem-solving in group situations.

In the project, adult educators from Slovenia took part in three training courses in France, Turkey and Greece, as well as a job shadowing in Croatia.

Last year, in January, we attended a five-day course in Caen, France, organised by CREA. There we learned practical ways to integrate theatre methods into education, working with simple puppetry and improvisation.

In March, we attended a training in Antalya, Turkey, organised by UTOPIA Education & Art. The training location was even more special as it was located in the middle of an orange plantation in a very special wooden building. The building's surroundings were nature itself. This environment gave us even more motivation to work and learn.

In May, we took part in a training course in Athens, Greece, organised by Andrioti School. The training was very interesting as it focused on drama performance and the use of drama in education.

This year, in March, we took part in a job shadowing in Osijek, Croatia, at the Jagoda Truhelka Primary School. There we learnt about the different theatre methods used in teaching and the integration of theatre and theatre approaches into education.

During the trainings we also made contacts with other adult educators from all over Europe. This is also a special feature of the Erasmus+ programme, as it allows us to make new contacts and network with similar organisations.

After the training, workshops were carried out to transfer the newly acquired knowledge to other adult educators. The workshops were held in our own organisation and in similar organisations. New working methods were introduced into the training programmes, improving the inclusion of vulnerable target groups in lifelong learning, their participation, self-esteem, sense of worth and inclusion.

The implementation of this project was co-financed by the European Commission. The contents of this article are the sole responsibility of the author, and in no way represent the views of the European Commission.

Maja Mihelič works at the Institute for Education and Culture as an adult education organiser and international project manager.