The Lifelong Learning Platform is happy to announce that it will be holding its 2017 General Assembly on the 2nd of June. The G.A. will follow the annual conference and will take place in Tallinn University. Members will gather to discuss the general direction of the LLLP, and will also proceed to the election of three new Steering Committee members, together with the welcoming of new members in the LLLP family. Would you like to become a member? Follow these steps and let us know!

The LLLPlatform will be holding its 7th Lifelong Learning Week (LLLWeek) on 20-24 November 2017 in Brussels. This year, the LLLWeek will be in cooperation with the 2nd edition of the Vocational Skills Week. For the second year in a row, the LLLWeek will be run in partnership with the European Youth Forum and, for the very first time, with Telecentre Europe / European Schoolnet in the frame of the i-Linc Project. The LLLPlatform is also proud to announce that the LLLWeek2017 will be supported by the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the EU. It will also enjoy the support of the LLL Interest Group and the Youth Intergroup. The LLLWeek has over time become a milestone in the European education agenda, thanks to the support of civil society actors and of Members of the European Parliament, bringing together learners and educators, field workers and policy-makers, thinkers and political representatives and give them the opportunity to discuss today’s greatest educational challenges. The main topic of the week will be Education in a Digital world, the Platform’s theme of the year, envisaging the subject under 3 sub-topics which also govern the LLLAwards2017: Education and Democracy Education and Social Inclusion Education and Innovative Pedagogy Cooperation with the European Vocational Skills Week The European Commission is organising a Second European Vocational Skills Week, to take place on 20 to 24 November 2017. Building on the success of the first Week in 2016, the Commission will continue to encourage us all to “Discover Your Talent” by focusing on excellent VET for quality careers. 2017 will see a particular focus on mobility, the importance of skills in sectors, and VET-business partnerships, through meetings in Brussels and national opening events in Member States. The Commission is looking for many events and activities across Europe from September to December 2017 to be associated with the Week, and placed on a central electronic map. In addition, a focused communications campaign will highlight all that’s going on to promote the central message. Join the European Commission in 2017 and “Discover Your Talent“! Read more about the LLLWeek…

The Lifelong Learning Platform is happy to announce that our Activity Report for the year 2016 is finally out! 2016 has been an intense, challenging and yet joyful year. The LLLP is proud of its achievements, and here are some special highlights: Capacity building and peer learning LLLWeek LLLAwards Lifelong Learning Interest Group Project Development Workshop 2016 Projects Innoval LLL-Hub GREAT …and much more! Explore the report from the wizard below, or download the complete report in PDF here.

The Lifelong Learning Platform (LLL-P) is an umbrella organisation that gathers 40 European organisations and networks active in the field of education, training and youth, based all over Europe and beyond. LLL-P aims to voice citizens’ concerns about lifelong learning. The Platform promotes a holistic vision of lifelong learning. If you are interested to embrace such an aim, you are welcome to express your interest in this new opening. The Lifelong Learning Platform is looking for a highly motivated dynamic team player, able to work within a multicultural environment and willing to be flexible but also able to stick to tight deadlines. The candidate should have a strong interest in education and lifelong learning. The position requires both technical and analytical skills, an eye for detail and motivation to look for solutions in a membership based organisation. Job description: Monitor EU policies in the field of education, skills and related areas; Research, write and develop reports and policy documents relating to the work of the organisation and its members; Produce high quality and persuasive content on relevant policy developments and contribute to the development of LLLP policy such as drafting position papers, policy briefings, information notes and other strategic documents; Contribute to developing and implementing advocacy action plans and strategies; Monitor research studies in the field to develop evidence-based advocacy; Produce high quality responses to consultation exercises from the EU institutions; Work with colleagues (Communication, Projects etc) to implement and evaluate multi-disciplinary strategies. Qualifications: Minimum 2 years experience in related jobs; A degree or relevant experience in at least one, preferably several of the following areas: Educational Sciences, Lifelong Learning, Political Sciences, European Studies or related fields; An excellent command of the English language (spoken and written); additional knowledge of one or more European languages is highly desirable; Excellent writing and editing skills; Transversal competences: Strong organisational skills and flexibility; Excellent interpersonal skills within a multinational context; Being action-oriented, self-motivated, responsible, creative and willing to take initiative; Proven ability to network and work appropriately with internal and external stakeholders; Having an eye for detail and knowing to keep to deadlines (even under pressure); Problem solving and strategic thinking. Highly valued: Knowledge of the European institutions and other target audiences related to education; Interest in lifelong learning and education policies; Experience of working or volunteering in/or with civil society, membership based organisations or the non-profit sector in general; Ability to translate complex political/policy issues into appropriate messages and understandable language. Terms and conditions: Position: Policy and Advocacy Officer Reports to: Director Capacity: Full-time (38hrs/week) Location: Rue de l’Industrie 10, 1000 Brussels, Belgium Duration: To be agreed Gross salary: Depending on experience (13.8 months/year). LLLP also provides meal vouchers & monthly local public transport as well as 5 extra legal holidays in addition to 20 regular holidays/year. Conditions to apply: Please submit your one-page cover letter and CV by email to vacancy@lllplatform.eu with the email subject LLLP Application for Policy and Advocacy Officer following the guidelines below: CV – We encourage interested candidates to attach their portfolio to the application or hyperlink their CV. Cover Letter – For the cover letter please specify 1. What you would bring to the organisation; 2. Give a few examples of your main achievements; 3. How you understand working for a membership-based organisation; 4. What you can bring to us and what we can bring to you. Recruitment Procedure and Information for applicants: Closing date: 21 May 2017 midnight CET. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Short Exercise dates for shortlisted candidates: 25 May 2017. The short exercise will comprise 3 questions to be answered in 1 hour. Interview dates: from 6 to 9 June 2017 Aimed start date: August-September 2017

The Lifelong Learning Platform welcomes the emphasis given to education and lifelong learning in the newly presented recommendation of the European Commission for a Pillar of Social Rights. After more than a year of negotiations, the Commission has put forward a set of applicable principles to scale up social inclusion and step up social progress. The Lifelong Learning Platform and its members have participated extensively in the consultations with EC officials and have communicated the needs of NGOs in terms of inclusiveness. Civil society organisations, national associations and trade unions alike have participated as well, claiming that a framework for social development would ensure equal opportunities throughout the whole continent. It is refreshing to see that – after common efforts – social rights and more generally social issues are back on the agenda of the Commission, after several years of sole focus on the economic perspectives for growth. The Pillar will comprise 20 principles, structured in three main chapters: Equal opportunities and access to labour market Fair working conditions Social protection and inclusion The Communication, published along, explains more in detail the rationale behind. The recommendation puts education and lifelong learning as the first of the 20 main points of action, under equal opportunities and access to the labour market: “Everyone has the right to quality and inclusive education, training and life-long learning in order to maintain and acquire skills that enable them to participate fully in society and manage successfully transitions in the labour market.” This is a holistic definition that LLLP very much welcomes. Education is also covered in the point 11, and in particular the right to affordable and quality early childhood education and care. Finally, but equally importantly, the need for a social dialogue and involving workers and social partners in decision-making processes is mentioned in the point 8, among many other important points. We consider that “this Pillar steers the EC path back to a right-based approach, a fundamental turn in order to counter social exclusion and discrimination”, says David López, President of the Lifelong Learning Platform. “Education is the most powerful force for social change, and its role should not be confined to the access for individuals to the labour market”, David López added. However, we must not soften our commitment to improving social inclusion in Europe. The Pillar presents a number of questions, especially related to the enforceability of its principles. We would encourage the Commission to make them workable, thus preventing the Pillar to remain a void statement without practical outcomes. Also, we will insist on the importance of public investments as strengthening factors in education and lifelong learning, as well as in putting education front and central in the eyes of the decision-makers. Building on the positives, the Lifelong Learning Platform overall welcomes the proposal for the Pillar of Social Rights, and will continue stimulating the Commission to fight inequalities and push social progress. For our Europe shall be a social Europe, or shall not be at all. For more information see the Recommendation and the Communication.

The Erasmus+ Survey 2017 is launched The LLLPlatform makes an annual review of the Erasmus+ programme implementation and shares its results with policy-makers to enhance the application process and the content of the programme. This survey is conducted by the Platform to evaluate how beneficiaries (like you) have experienced the past round of applications of the Erasmus+ programme: what do you think of Erasmus+? Are you satisfied with its new features? What problems did you encounter? What suggestions for improvement would you make? The survey is available in English, and answering should not take more than 5 to 10 minutes of your time, but it will contribute greatly to improve the programme! Deadline to reply is 30 June 2017. Results will be presented at launch of the LLLWeek2017, in November 2017.

The first 2017 meeting of the LLL Interest Group was held on 21 March in the European Parliament. The discussion on “Principles of Inclusiveness for Improved and Modernised Education” was based on the Maltese Presidency Council conclusions presented by Mr. Micaleff Grimaud (PermRep) and the European Commissions’ Communication on “Improving and Modernising Education” presented by Fiorella Perotto, DG EAC. Discussants highlighted the importance of more EU Member State commitmentand better cooperation with civil society organisations, namely regarding the value and cost-efficiency of the non-formal and informal learning opportunities. In this sentence, the LLLPlatform supports the Council Conclusions according to which “ensuring inclusive high quality education should be seen as a lifelong perspective covering all aspects of education, and including the school community and the community at large.”

The first 2017 meeting of the LLL Interest Group will take place on 21 March. The topic of the meeting, “Principles of Inclusiveness for Improved and Modernised Education,” is linked to the recently adopted “Communication in improving and modernising education” from the European Commission. Inclusive education is also the main priority of the Maltese presidency of the EU. Both DG EAC and the Maltese Presidency representatives will join the meeting to discuss how to ensure a lifelong learning perspective, what is the link between the Skills agenda and Inclusive education and how civil society contributes to advancing the agenda on inclusiveness.

Our Erasmus+ Implementation Survey 2016 Results are out! The 2016 Survey Preliminary Results were made public on 10 October during the LLLWeek2016 kick-off event in the European Parliament, chaired by MEP Milan Zver, European Parliament Rapporteur for the Erasmus+ Programme. The Platform organises a yearly evaluation on the implementation of the Erasmus+ programme. The survey aims to provide decision-makers with an evaluation coming from the programme’s direct beneficiairies on what works and what could be improved. The survey contains questions on various aspects related for instance to the application procedures, to the relations with the national and European agencies, the financial rules and the reporting processes. Read the Erasmus+ Implementation Survey 2016 Results here! Support us spread the word and take part in improving Erasmus+ by joining our #ErasmusPlus Survey Campaign online!

In order to be turned into comprehensive lifelong learning strategies at national/regional level, bridges should be built between education, employment and social policies, in a reinforced dialogue and cooperation with civil society. That is why several MEPs and civil society organisations met on 30 November to discuss the new Skills Agenda for Europe with Slovak Presidency of the EU Council and DG EMPL representatives. The event took place just a few days after the EU Council under Slovak Presidency adopted a resolution on a “New Skills Agenda for an inclusive and competitive Europe” in response to the related Commission’s communication from June. Civil society organisations welcomed the emphasis on the need for a balance between labour market related expected outcomes of education and training, and those related to social inclusion and the development of engaged and active citizens, development of the flexible mindsets and curiosity needed to adapt to future needs, adequate EU funding for actions under the New Skills Agenda and efficient coordination at EU level in the area of education. LLL Interest Group Chair Sirpa Pietikainen (EPP, FI) emphasised on the need to empower teachers and tackle the skills gap through the Upskilling Pathways initiative, in particular when it comes to refugees. Participants also stressed the importance of synergies between DG EAC and DG EMPL for an effective implementation in cooperation with civil society and trade unions, as well as the positive development that EQF and the Key Competence Framework for lifelong learning initiatives brought at European level.

In 2016, the Lifelong Learning Platform focused on the first priority of its Lifelong Learning Manifesto: “Building inclusive and democratic educational systems”. This priority covers different important issues such as citizenship and global education, intercultural and interreligious dialogue, fighting prejudices and discrimination, educational institutions democratic governance and learner participation, learning mobility for all and the use of arts and culture to tackle social challenges and enhance personal development. The 2016 Awards were composed of 3 Winners and 10 Inspiring Practices. LLLAwards2016: The three laureats were… The LLLPlatform is pleased to announce that the Jury has spoken, and the three LLLAward winners who were announced during the Ceremony on 11 October in Brussels are… Third Age Failte Isteach Balkans, let’s get up! TOY: Together Old and Young The winners in the category Inspiring Practices are… F.A.R.E Football People Action Weeks Support Group Network Fair Start Global Citizens Curriculum Learning 2.0gether – SME Workers and Young Unemployed Skill-Sharing for Employability Global Challenges Le-MATH : Learning Mathematics through new communication factors. L3M – Enjoyable Life Long Learning for the Older Adult incorporating Montessori Principles Initiative Cookbook – Homemade Civic Engagement ISOLEARN: Innovation and social learning in Higher Education

The 6th edition of the Lifelong Learning Week (#LLLWeek16) was held from 10 to 13 October in Brussels, gathering circa 200 policy-makers and educational stakeholders representing civil society organisations, academics and decision-makers, highlighting the key role lifelong learning plays in facing major societal challenges nowadays. This year and for the first time, the LLLWeek was organised in partnership with the European Youth Forum, merging with the former Youth Education Week, to show our commitment to joining forces with young people and youth organisations. The week kicked-off with a major consultation meeting on the Erasmus+ Programme to discuss its mid-term evaluation and the EU Parliament’s Programme Implementation Draft Report, all on the basis of the 2016 annual Erasmus+ survey results conducted by the Platform. The main findings of the LLLPlatform’s Erasmus+ Implementation Survey show a general satisfaction on the beneficiaries side, although improvements should be made as regards harmonisation of implementation rules, quantity of funds available and simplification of procedures. On this last point and regarding online tools, many participants asked the Commission to not to add on to the already numerous online platforms. The adequate distribution of funds within the Erasmus+ was highlighted as one of the main weaknesses of the current programme, where the role of civil society organisations in promoting all opportunities and the need to allocate funds based on targets needs were brought to the attention. MEP Emilian Pavel supported civil society’s call for more funding, namely on the basis that “by benefiting from Erasmus+ funding, CSO’s are spreading the word of the success of the programme, and thus, also spreading the word of success of the European ideal,” one much needed at this time. “Learning to live together” is still one of Europe’s biggest challenges. First theme of the week, discussions dug into the European understanding of intercultural dialogue and citizenship education. Participants all agreed on the necessity to adopt a holistic approach to learning, namely when considering the implementation of the Paris Declaration and in answering the challenge of radicalisation. Youth organisation projects proved their central role in fostering civic engagement, largely based on their overarching approach vehicled by non-formal education methods. This educational output is of course also largely carried through by mobility (#RecogniseStudyAbroad) or volunteering, which not only develop social and civic competences, but also contribute to preparing young people for the world of work. Together they form the XXI Century skills that knit our social fabric, placing emphasis on individuals both as citizens and workers. Building inclusive societies also means taking into consideration what role education plays in opening up employment opportunities. As MEP Andrey Novakov reminded, if it is Europe’s success story, it is also because “one out of three participants in an Erasmus exchange has got quality job. There is no national initiative that is so effective in tackling youth unemployment.” Yet in spite of existing frameworks, possibilities are unevenly distributed among citizens. “Only 1% citizens go abroad for vocational training,” said Felix Horne from DG EMPL. In light of the New Skills Agenda for Europe and if our aim is to upgrade skills for XXI Century needs, he called for a stronger “support to the validation of skills acquired by learners, including apprentices”, as incentive to participate in valuable mobility programmes. Tackling the issue of skills upgrading has become of paramount importance for Europe in dealing with the high unemployment rates many of its Member States face. Linking education to socio-economic considerations, discussions tackled the issue of “Flexible learning pathways”, as means to ensure the broadest possible access to education in order to allow citizens adapt to new realities, which so many are still the victims of, being left behind due to obsolete or inappropriate skills. This critical point was also pointed out by Jill Peiffer, Director of EPOS, during the Erasmus+ Debate on 10 October, suggesting “adult education be separated from vocational and education training in light of the broader role it has to play.” Unfortunately, as stated by MEP Teresa Cachia, “many Member States do not understand the added-value lifelong learning gives to our societies. Lifelong learning gives you the potential to better your life, to find employment, but also to interact within your community and with others.” This reality was made clear in one of the main and overarching events of the week on the use of education to ensure integration of refugees and migrants. Indeed, “we do not need to always invent new policies: we just need to get things done and implement and use what we already know,” said Michael Teutsch from DG EAC. Civil society organisations are a partner in this call. Working with institutions, they support the adequate policy implementation. However, their field experience also gives them insight into what changes are really needed, and what fails in the current paradigm. As reminded by LLLPlatform President David Lopez, “the rise of populism and negative forces that are against EU values is unfortunately today’s reality. But European civil society is pushing back and striving for a more inclusive Europe!” The LLLWeek was also a moment of getting together to celebrate the contributions of grassroot organisations in achieving these goals. The three laureats of the LLLAwards2016 were awarded during the joint ceremony with European Youth Forum and other ten practices were highlighted as inspiring and upscaling opportunities. As stated by one of the laureates, “we experienced in trainings and empowerment programs how people develop intrinsic motivation for becoming active, how creatively they start to deal with complex situations.” This is the power of lifelong learning. The week ended with an intercultural quiz night and the launch of the SDG Watch Europe Alliance, opened by EU Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans. Within this new network, the Platform furthers its commitment, under the Sustainable Development Goal 4, to promote access and quality education for all and ensure a lifelong learning approach to education. Akin the SDG, lifelong learning is “a tool to help break down silos and avoid short term thinking.” Did you participate in the LLLWeek2016? Help us improve our work by answering our LLLWeek Evaluation Survey! Event Documents in Open Access: Action Plan on the integration of third country nationals, Michael Teutsch, European Commission Slovakian Presidency actions for the integration of third country nationals through education, Ildiko Pathova, Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic Education to Human rights, Evgenia Khoroltseva,Human Rights Academy Norway Eurydice overview of education policy developments in Europe following the Paris Declaration of 17 March 2015, Sogol Noorani, Education and Youth Policy Analysis, EACEA Becoming an active citizen, Nektaria Palaiologou, International Association for Intercultural Education (IAIE), School of Education, University of Western Macedonia Intercultural and Citizenship Education, Elisa Briga, EFIL Coloured Glasses:Intercultural and Global Citizenship Education Workshops, Brian Jurczik-Arnold, EEE-YFU General Report, Earlall DoubleCup, Dick Eriksson, Director Business Relations, City of Trollhättan, Region Västra Götaland Labour market and Integration, Fredrik Adolfsson, Director of Regional Development,Region Västra Götaland It starts with language:language coaching in the Netherlands, Eline Dragt Labour market integration in Stuttgart, Gari Pavkovic, Commissioner for Integration, City of Stuttgart Education Campus: Intergrating young Refugees in Stuttgart, Community Foundation Stuttgart Challenges and solutions with the work of integration, Jan Elftorp,Director of Labourmarket and Adult EducationCity of Gothenburg #Recognise Study Abroad: Raising awareness on the recognition of the pupils’ study abroad periods, Campaign presentation Scout reaching out: How we try to include the excluded,Hans Van Kerckhove Scouts en Gidsen Vlaanderen Don Bosco International Initiatives, Angel Gudiña,Don Bosco International Reaching Out: A Local Guiding Approach, Zahra Clarke-Johnney, Europe Region WAGGGS Diversity Task Force Member Life changing adventure,Matina Loizou, UK Scout Association