Invitation to the Policy Debate on 'Intergenerational learning for inclusive societies' on 31 March 2015

EUCIS-LLL, the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) and EPA are organising a policy debate on intergenerational learning in Brussels, on 31 March 2015. The event will be hosted by MEP Heinz Becker and supported by Goodyear.

Population ageing will continue with accelerating pace in the next decades. Today half of the population is 40 years old or above while in 2060 half of the population will be aged 48 years or above. These trends require some considerable societal adaptations regarding work, family life and social protection. Many European practices, as well as research, show that intergenerational learning can be a strong boost for improving learning take up and attainment as well as a sense of solidarity. It is about learning together and learning from each other, and therefore it is an effective way to address a number of issues such as building active communities, promoting citizenship and addressing inequality. For instance, family learning should be integrated in educational institutions’ strategies to raise young learners’ attainment and to narrow the gap between the lowest and highest achievers. The potential in Europe is huge - being active, healthy and participative well into old age is a realistic prospect for a very large number of citizens. Yet, at the same time, only a small minority of people spend their retirement years on active engagement in continuous labour market participation and community life through voluntary activities and active leisure.

We are happy to invite you to our policy debate on “Intergenerational Learning for Inclusive Societies“, to take place on 31 March in Brussels. This debate aims to share practices and views on how and why the intergenerational dimension should be mainstreamed in lifelong learning strategies. Participants will be able to discuss important related issues, such as how to understand intergenerational solidarity, how to promote active ageing, how to better share good practices etc.

Agenda

Welcome words

• Heinz K. Becker, Member of the European Parliament (EPP, AT)
• David Lopez, EUCIS-LLL President

Panel discussion

• Eszter Salamon, President of the European Parents Association (EPA)
• Carole Gadet, in charge of intergenerational projects at French Ministry of Education and founder of the association “Ensemble demain”, a unique project on intergenerational learning in Europe
• Regina Ebner, Secretary-General of the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA)
• Representative of Goodyear

Where?

University Foundation, Rue d’Egmont 11, 1000 Brussel

When?

31 March 2015 - 14h00 – 17h00 (registration at 13h30)