Implementation of the European Agenda for Adult Learning (EAAL) in Slovenia – 2018

Challenges and opportunities of education for longer labour activity

Feb 25, 2020 | E-bulletin, Events

The changing demographic picture and the resulting shrinking of the working population could eventually reduce the potential for economic growth. Therefore, adaptations in the labour market and in the field of education are called for. They should smooth the way to longer activity in the labour market and foster efficient use of all generations’ potentials. These challenges were addressed by the first EAAL consultation meeting that was organized jointly by SIAE and the ZiSSS. The event was intended for adult educators who develop and execute various forms of education and training as well as support activities (guidance, awareness-raising, etc.).

Date and venue: 10 and 11 April 2018, Rimske Toplice

Main Subject: Challenges and opportunities of education for longer labour activity

Coordinators: SIAE and ZiSSS

Invited stakeholders: represenatives of  MESS, SIAE, ZiSSS, AEC, Slovenian Empolyment Service, National Institute of Public Health – over 80 participants

The event was opened by Maja Radinovič Hajdič of the Jesenice Adult Education Centre, Andrej Sotošek of the SIAE and Katja Dovžak of the MESS. Zvonka Pangerc Pahernik, the EAAL project manager at the SIAE, and Maruša Bajt of EPALE NSS (CMEPIUS) presented ‘The Upskilling Pathways – we discover and support them through the EAAL project (and the support of EPALE)’. Andreja Dobrovoljc of the SIAE introduced the guidance support for involving older employees in education. She was followed by the representative of the Public Scholarship, Development, Disability and Maintenance Fund of the Republic of Slovenia who pointed the main goals of the programme called ‘Supporting companies in managing older employees’ (ASI). Ada Hočevar Grom of the National Institute of Public Health emphasized the importance of the level of health of our municipalities, and the director of the SIAE the pre-occupational activities for a healthy age. The plenary session was concluded by two speakers; Natalija Žunko of the PRIZMA Foundation Maribor who pointed out that the intergenerational cooperation is the treasury of knowledge, and Tomaž Tišler, head of the Information Society Development Division of the Directorate for Information Society at the Ministry of Public Administration, whose focus was on Digital Slovenia 2020.

In the afternoon session four examples of good practice were presented to the participants by experts of Slovenian adult education centres in Žalec, Trbovlje, Nova Gorica and Kranj. They covered the topics such as intergenerational transfer of knowledge from the field of entrepreneurship, modern technology facilitates farm work, communication in the workplace and in everyday life, and volunteering – preserving and upgrading knowledge and skills.

During the second day of the meeting the participants took place in a series of workshops including intergenerational cooperation, creating a healthy working environment, digital literacy and volunteering. The workshops also included the expert discussion on the content of outreach programs and methods for reaching target groups. After that, summaries of work in groups were introduced to the whole audience.

The meeting concluded with the panel discussion where experts from economy, health and education sectors opened up new opportunities and pathways for adults having in mind the UP Recommendation. See video on this panel discussion.

Zvonka Pangerc Pahernik (zvonka.pangerc@acs.si), SIAE