LEAP - Local Adult Education Policy

Summary

Citizenship education for adults is a complex and challenging topic - but an essential one. Fostering active citizenship should be a priority for local authorities, as engaged citizens not only provide valuable input but also support the implementation of key policies, such as waste management. To raise interest in lifelong learning and adult education among local authorities, the project began with research to better understand the context and needs. Based on these findings, a set of learning materials was developed to highlight the benefits of adult education, along with a practical guide for local policymakers on how to integrate adult learning into their strategies.

“We don´t have a special budget for this agenda. But now I see how we could work on it without investing a lot – for example just by promoting it and providing the information on where the people can learn something. “    

Topic(s) addressed

• Climate change
• Technological changes
• Green transformation
• Digitalisation
• New global issues related to public health
• Civic education policy at the local level

Target group(s)  

• Local decision-makers
• Adult education providers
• Citizens as the final beneficiaries

Methodologies used

The project’s implementation approach was notably innovative in several ways. First, it benefitted from the diversity of its consortium, which included an NGO, a school, a university, a consulting company, and a municipality, ensuring a broad range of perspectives and expertise. Second, to address multiple aspects of adult education and create lasting impact, the project developed an online platform featuring learning materials and a practical guide. These resources were designed specifically to help local authorities better understand and value adult education, and to support them in drafting a simple, actionable policy document, something that had not been done before. Third, the project aimed to influence a wider educational ecosystem by engaging training providers, libraries, museums, NGOs, and other community actors to help build policy from the ground up.

Innovation environment

A key inspiration for the project was the UNESCO concept of Learning Cities. These cities promote lifelong learning by effectively mobilising resources across all sectors to support inclusive education- from basic to higher levels. They revitalise learning within families and communities, facilitate learning in and for the workplace, expand the use of modern learning technologies, and enhance the overall quality of education. Learning Cities also foster a culture of lifelong learning. Building such a city requires local authorities to create an enabling environment that encourages all stakeholders to continuously learn and contribute to this culture of ongoing education.

Teachers’ role

Although teachers and educators were not directly involved in the project activities, our research highlighted a significant challenge: the professional development of adult educators. These professionals need strong support through training in interactive and innovative methodologies, as well as in facilitation skills.  

Moreover, there should be a more effective system for recognising the knowledge and skills trainers acquire through practice, non-formal, or informal learning. Educators play a crucial role in ensuring the quality of training and services- key factors in motivating adults to stay engaged in learning and pursue further training opportunities. Importantly, every form of teaching can integrate elements of citizenship education.

Impact and output

The main impact of the project is expected at the policy level - specifically, the local level. We anticipate that the project will raise awareness among local authorities about the importance of adult education for the future. By using the learning materials and the Guide developed through the project, policymakers will be better equipped to formulate straightforward local policy documents. Once local authorities adopt adult education and skills development as part of their agenda, they will be able to introduce simple measures that expand learning opportunities for citizens and improve adult participation rates in education. This, in turn, could generate broader benefits, such as more satisfied citizens, a better-skilled workforce, and potentially increased economic activity.

Learn more about the project

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