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EPALE - Elektronska platforma za obrazovanje odraslih u Evropi

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Snapshots from the 2024 EPALE Community Conference

Get ready to relive the most incredible moments of the Community Conference!

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In the historic halls of Salaborsa in Bologna, a city renowned for both its ancient university and its spirit of solidarity, the European Platform for Adult Learning (EPALE) celebrated reaching 150,000 members with a conference that felt less like a formal gathering and more like a vibrant marketplace of ideas. The energy was palpable as educators, policy makers, EPALE heroes and practitioners came together to reimagine adult learning for our rapidly changing world.

Digital Rights in an increasingly connected World

"Freedom of expression is broader than freedom of speech – it's about political and personal expression guaranteed regardless of frontiers," stated Jillian C. York, Director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation. Her passionate address resonated throughout the room as she detailed how our digital lives are increasingly controlled by private corporations. York highlighted how private corporations now have unprecedented control over digital spaces, and the need for universal frameworks to protect online rights while ensuring safety. What struck me most was her personal story of being banned from a platform for sharing breast cancer awareness content - a stark reminder of how automated moderation can silence important conversations.

Time: the hidden dimension of Learning

Michel Alhadeff-Jones, Executive Director of the Sunkhronos Institute, brought a refreshing perspective to a resource we often take for granted: time. "We are outsped by time: technological transition, climatic urgency. We never have time," he noted, his words carrying special weight in our post-pandemic world. His concept of "rhythmic intelligence" – finding sustainable learning rhythms – seemed particularly relevant for those juggling work, family, and education.

Creativity as a path to Empowerment

A compelling panel on creativity featured innovative approaches to adult education. Sonia Nandzik-Herman shared moving stories from her work with refugees in Lesbos, describing how creative processes help individuals reclaim their identity beyond their refugee status. "Through creativity, they can start deciding for themselves, take control," she explained, her voice carrying years of experience in transforming lives through art.
Theater maker Airan Berg added a powerful perspective: "There is no learning without creativity. We're all learners experts of our own life." His work in Austrian prisons demonstrated how arts can bridge divides and create spaces for genuine human connection.

Digital Skills for an AI-powered Future

Michael Horgan from DG Employment brought data to the discussion, highlighting the EU's ambitious goal: 80% of citizens equipped with basic digital skills by 2030. "AI increases the need for digital skills, particularly critical thinking," he emphasized, noting that approximately 60% of workers already need to use AI in their jobs.

Sustainability and Social Justice

The conference's final discussions wove together environmental concerns with social justice. Christelle Gilabert delivered one powerful message: "Ecology links to feminism and decolonial justice. It's about standards of living for everyone." Her words challenged us to think beyond individual actions to systemic change.

Looking FORWARD

As Commissioner Iliana Ivanova noted in her opening remarks, adult learning remains a crucial tool for empowerment. The conference demonstrated that while challenges are significant – from digital divides to climate crisis – the spirit of innovation and human connection in adult education remains strong. The gathering not only celebrated EPALE's growing community but also reinforced the platform's crucial role in connecting adult educators across 32 languages. 
"This is not only a conference about how we organise adult learning, but it is a moment to decelerate and reflect about tomorrow’s world and our condition of humans” stated Ulrike Storost of DG EAC. The diversity of voices and perspectives shared in Bologna and online reminded us that adult learning is not just about acquiring skills – it's about creating spaces where transformation becomes possible, where creativity flourishes, and where learning becomes a tool for both personal and social change.

Just click on the links below to check out the recordings from each day of the conference.

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Puri Mariño Casal
Sun, 10/27/2024 - 09:57

Adult education is a tool empowering students and teachers alike

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