European Association for Adult Development

We propose to create a Learning Europe: a Europe that is able to tackle the future positively and with all necessary skills, knowledge and competences. We propose a Europe-wide effort to go one step up, to develop a knowledge society that is capable to cope with the challenges of our time. This demands sustainable investments now on the European, national, regional and local levels in adult education. This will pay off in the long-term from many perspectives: for competitiveness, well-being, healthy populations, growth and more. We highlight the power and joy of learning: underlining the transformative possibilities of adult education on the one hand and, on the other hand, the positive experience of learning. Many people are wary of learning because of their bad school experience, others feel that training might be another pressure they have to suffer from for their success in life. We emphasize the positive side of adult learning: the joy it brings to learn in a group with others and from each other, and to discover new skills; and the power to transform one’s own life and the lives of others. What we promote:  Active citizenship, democracy and participation: By promoting intercultural dialogue and active participation in the society, adult education contributes to active citizenship and democracy.  Social cohesion, equity and equality: Adult education can compensate a lack of education in earlier life and enable social mobility – and thus promote social cohesion, equity and equality.  Employment and digitalization: Adult education is key when it comes to improving employment prospects and ensuring prepared citizens in the digital world.  Life skills: Participating in adult education can improve the quality of life. Life skills include a set of skills that generate health and well-being. Adult education can provide a number of skills and learning experiences that have a number of benefits and purposes: from basic skills to language learning, from leisure courses to vocational training, adult education can provide a number of ways that will support individuals throughout their careers and lives.