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EARLALL runs a Seminar for SMALEI Policy Recommendations: Advancing Sustainability in Adult Education

19/11/2024

On 13 November 2024, EARLALL hosted the Validation Seminar for SMALEI Policy Recommendations in Barcelona and online, gathering over 30 participants, including policymakers and political representatives from across Europe. The session was facilitated by Alicia Gaban (EARLALL Secretariat) and Andrea Bernert-Bürkle (VHS Baden-Württemberg), marking a pivotal moment in the journey toward more sustainable practices in Adult Learning and Education (ALE) institutions.

The seminar was part of the SMALEI project (Sustainable Management for Adult Learning and Education Institutions), which aims to equip ALE organisations with tools to foster sustainability. SMALEI supports institutions in developing both internal and external strategies to promote lasting, green practices. Resources such as the SMALEI Matrix and Workbook provide practical guidance, while its LinkedIn community serves as a platform for collaboration. Learn more about SMALEI’s initiatives here.

The event was structured into two key segments:

  1. Introduction to SMALEI Goals: Participants were introduced to SMALEI’s mission of integrating sustainability into ALE institutions. Andrea Bernert-Bürkle encouraged attendees to leverage the project’s resources to further these goals.
  2. Validation of Policy Recommendations: A set of draft recommendations, developed by the SMALEI team led by TKNIKA (Basque Country), was presented for participant feedback. Using an online voting system, attendees evaluated and refined strategies across six strategic areas.

The final policy recommendations will be published really soon at SMALEI website.