Solidarity between generations: a focus on ageing workers Lifelong learning for active ageing Solidarity between generations: a focus on ageing workers 30.04.2019, Brussels Gina Ebner

EAEA and LLLP LLLP: EAEA: represents all of all of learning: all ages, all forms The umbrella of the umbrellas More than 40 members: all European associations EAEA: Represents (non-formal, general) adult education From 16 / 18 / 19 / 25 to .... 133 members in 44 countries 4.7.2019

Policy level Demographic change Action Plan: It’s never too late to learn Crisis Highlight: 2012 European Year 2014: move of skills from DG EAC to DG EMPL: cohesion a bit lost Renewed Agenda for adult learning 4.7.2019

Renewed Agenda for adult learning The crisis has highlighted the major role which adult learning ( 1 ) can play in achieving the Europe 2020 goals, by enabling adults — in particular the low-skilled and older workers — to improve their ability to adapt to changes in the labour market and society. Adult learning provides a means of up-skilling or reskilling those affected by unemployment, restructuring and career transitions, as well as makes an important contribution to social inclusion, active citizenship and personal development.  In order to achieve an adult-learning sector capable of supporting the Europe 2020 strategy, much more remains to be done in relation to effective and efficient financing; in relation to the provision of second-chance opportunities and the acquisition of basic skills such as literacy and numeracy, but also digital skills; in relation to targeted learning for migrants, early school leavers and young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs), as well as for people with disabilities and older adults; and in relation to cooperation with employers, social partners and civil society.  — Enhancing learning opportunities for older adults in the context of active ageing, including volunteering and the promotion of innovative forms of intergenerational learning and initiatives to exploit the knowledge, skills and competences of older people for the benefit of society as a whole. 4.7.2019

Nevertheless Germany has a focus on older learners Austria has linked their lifelong learning strategy with the strategy for older people Countries with good adult education infrastructure tend to have older learners (and teachers!) Positive impact of learning in old people’s homes 4.7.2019

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Universities of the Third Age University, in this sense, means a gathering of people. It is not a college building, but simply a group of people interested in following a common programme of activities. No educational or professional qualifications are required (and there are no exams!) The "Third Age" is the time in life when your career may be coming to an end, and/or parental and caring responsibilities have lessened. Third-agers have more time to explore new opportunities – both educational and social. U3A members organise their own activities and learn together. They draw on the skills, knowledge, and experience of one another - everyone teaches and everyone learns.  U3A originally began in France in 1974 and has spread worldwide. 4.7.2019

Recommendations I Rebalance resources fairly and sensibly across the different life stages We need public agreement on the criteria for fair and effective allocation of resources for learning across the life course. As a start, we propose a very broad goal: to shift from the current allocation ratios of 86: 11: 2.5: 0.5 across the four stages outlined above, to 80: 15: 4: 1 by 2020. This means approximately doubling the proportional support for learning in the third and fourth stages. To counter any sense that we favour age segregation, we recommend redoubling efforts to support family and intergenerational learning. 4.7.2019

Recommendations II We need to ensure learning provisions for seniors in all European countries We need to raise awareness for the benefits of learning (for seniors) across European societies (different ‘returns of investment’) We need a more extensive outreach system for less privileged seniors Adult education providers need to take learners’ voices into account (see learners’ charters and manifestos) Better infrastructure / different learning environments Higher estimation of non- and informal learning 4.7.2019

Thank you!