The EARLALL network participates in the joint ETF-DVV International webinar ‘Lifelong Learning To Build Resilience At The Regional Level’
16/11/2023
On November 15, VHS (Baden Württemberg) and Borås Municipality presented in the online webinar ‘Lifelong Learning To Build Resilience At The Regional Level: Experiences From Across Europe.’ The online roundtable was part of the hybrid conference ‘Lifelong Learning As A Driver For Post-War Development In Poltava-Region / Ukraine’ organised in cooperation with the European Training Foundation (ETF) and DVV International.
The session was opened by partners in the Ukrainian region Poltava who shared some of the conclusions of the morning’s discussions, including the idea that professors, teachers and trainers in Ukraine need to be given the incentive to provide high-quality training and that Ukrainian citizens must be active and inclusion and participation of all citizens must be a priority.
The conversation then turned to the European dimension and the roundtable “Lifelong learning to build resilience at the regional level: experiences from across Europe”. Siria Taurelli, Senior Human Capital Development Expert, European Training Foundation (ETF), discussed the European Skills Agenda and the context of high-quality informal and formal learning as a goal across the EU. The European Pillar of Social Rights sets the ambitious target of involving 50 percent of adults in learning by 2025. Furthermore, she emphasised the significance of the regional and local dimensions in lifelong learning. Local contexts play a crucial role in assessing needs, and strengths, and mobilizing resources across different levels.
Next, Andrea Bernert-Bürkle, Head of EU-Projects at Volkshochschulverband Baden-Württemberg (Association of Adult Education Centres of the State Baden-Württemberg) took the floor to discuss the organisation and guidance policies in the State of Baden-Württemberg. The Volkshochschulen (vhs) form 161 adult education centres across the region. Ms Bernert-Bürkle outlined the practicalities of the VHS system and discussed the guidance network within the organisation. This involves 190 guidance officers who offer individual guidance to help adults come to informed decisions.
Tina Lundell, Head of Working Life Department, Borås Municipality discussed the municipality of Borås and their work in VET and validation. The municipality has long held interviews, surveys and needs analysis at the regional level. There are also competence councils, which work with different stakeholders to agree on the competencies needed locally. Ms Lundell expressed her immense gratitude for being invited to speak in the webinar, and her hope that colleagues in Ukraine would continue to work towards a culture of lifelong learning.
The discussions were closed with a final word from Siria Taurelli who reconfirmed the European partners desire to support their Ukrainian counterparts and to follow-up on this initiative.
Find further information and download all the presentations here.
