The U.N.I.C Project

The Learning Partnership "Understanding the needs of older people, improving methods and creating new ones" focused on the issue of increasing older people's engagement into lifelong learning. During a 2 year period, from September 2009 to September 2011, 8 adult education providers from 7 European countries worked together, visiting each other, conducting surveys and exchanging their expertise.

The target group of the project was older people (50+) already involved in organised education opportunities and those who are not involved (termed "active" or "inactive" people). The project involved managerial and teaching staff, plus trainers and learners of the partner institutions who worked on the issue in their own institutions as well as on a broad exchange of experience on all levels involved. 

International meetings took place in Vienna, Budapest, Rome, Bristol, Helsinki, Bonn and Bucharest. Older learners from all partner countries participated in those meetings which turned out to be a challanging yet very rewarding experience for all who participated. A new understanding of views was formed, with national stereotypes being cast aside in the realisation of what common hopes, fears and aspirations unite us in whatever society we live in.   

One of the essential conclusions of the project is an increased awareness of the wider benefits of learning, not only for the lives of older learners in terms of wellbeing, health and combatting social isolation but also for social cohesion. This goes far beyond enhancing employability, as is often the focus in european and national adult education politics but is an equally important issue to be developed further.