By Raffaela Kihrer. The participants from all over Europe gained many insights into new and creative approaches to intergenerational learning at GoAct workshops and a conference. The event took place in Brussels from 17 to 18 June 2013 and it was organised by the Elternverein Baden-Württemberg. Learning for a long life On the second day of the event, a day-long conference was held. Dr. Renate Heinisch, introducing the experts and their speeches, critically approached the concept of lifelong learning. In her opinion, the concept would need a make-over, as the focus would have to shift from elderly people to young people.
- We should speak about ‘learning for a long life‘ rather than ‘lifelong learning‘, she suggested, as even young children should learn about a healthy and sustainable way of living.
Deputy Director-General for Education and Culture at the European Commission,
Xavier Prats Monné, and MEP
Heinz K. Becker, presented the political agenda concerning adult education in the European Union. Both emphasised the importance of ideally and financially supporting projects in the sector of lifelong learning. According to them, the EU has already understood the huge potential which lies in lifelong learning. For this reason, strategies for the education of adults and intergenerational learning will be implemented in the education policies in the near future.
Intergenerational learning brings well-being
- Studies on learning of the elderly have started to appear just recently, and they raise more questions than they are able to answer at this stage of research, Professor Schmidt-Hertha stated. In his own
research, Professor Schmidt-Hertha highlights that educational offers for older people are not always the best way to provide an opportunity for learning. It depends on the type of learner, if special educational offers are welcome or not.
- If we want to establish a fruitful process of learning between the younger and the older generation, we first have to overcome intergenerational tensions, but if that is achieved, the intergenerational perspective brings with it a great potential for an increased wellbeing and self-esteem both for young and old generations, said Dr. Ann-Kristin Boström in her
speech. Therefore, institutions of intergenerational learning have to be organised, seniors and children have to be prepared, and a learning model has to be chosen. Furthermore, intergenerational learning has to provide benefits for children and young people.
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On 1 July 2013 Croatia becomes the European Union’s 28th Member State. To mark the occasion Cedefop has prepared a statistical overview on vocational education and training (VET) and lifelong learning in Croatia. 
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