EPALE Ireland Raising the Profile of Community Education Nationally and European wide Emma Grainger EPALE Executive - Ireland Léargas www/leargas.ie/epale

What is EPALE… The Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe is a multilingual site for Adult Learning Practitioners (tutors, trainers, researchers, policy makers, and anyone else with a role in adult learning).

Why is there EPALE… Born out of the need expressed by Grundtvig stakeholders It aims is to improve the quality of adult learning provision across Europe by providing a space for discussions, resource sharing and networking.

What will you find there... Resources Events and courses News items Blog posts & Discussion Partner search

Who is using EPALE... Over 9000 followers on Twitter4200 likes in Facebook14,000 visitors monthly5500 registered users250 registered users in Ireland Second chance educations tutors, academics, trainers, networks, language, community workers & educators

Some examples…  Case Study looking at collaboration between higher education academics, students and community education practitioners Case Study looking at collaboration between higher education academics, students and community education practitioners  Estonian organisation that is an association of community educators  Blog on how can we develop European approach quality family learning Blog on how can we develop European approach quality family learning  Resource: Impact in terms of wellbeing of older adults in community education Resource: Impact in terms of wellbeing of older adults in community education  Podcasts: from an international project on awareness raising adult educationawareness raising adult education  Events: Family Learning Symposium. Dealing with Stress as Adult Educators

Why resister & engage… 1. Posting on EPALE about work you are doing can gain interest from other adult educators around Europe and can raise awareness of a campaign you are working on e.g. NALA Plain Campaign. 2. It can be a place to move outside your usual circle of advice and support 3. It could be a place to begin a European network of Community Education like EPEA 4. Using pieces of research from other countries can help you build a case to support arguments 5. Find organisations with whom to run projects or carry out research 6. Take part in events and webinars 7. Resources to inspire and prevent you re inventing the wheel.

Discussion forums and closed groups Other functionalities suggested by users* A European Network of Community Educators?? What is coming soon…

Information sessions on KA1 & KA2 will be held in November in Dublin, Galway & Limerick What’s next… Please register, spread the word & see how EPALE works… Users must be registered to receive updates, leave comments and upload materials.