Ireland + Estonia

IRELAND v ESTONIA The following are some of the different approaches to Adult Learning Awards and Adult Learning Festivals between Ireland and Estonia

“Sowing the Learning Seed” My visit to Estonia was part of a Grundtvig Learning Partnership - an opportunity to learn and share. Financed in Ireland through Leargas. There were four in the Irish delegation to Estonia. Myself, two communication staff from Aontas, and a career guidance officer from Waterford. There were also delegations from other European countries in attendance.

Grundtvig programme This Grundtvig programme was a European funding programme that was part of the European Commission’s Lifelong Learning Programme and aimed to strengthen the European dimension in adult education and lifelong learning across Europe.

N. F. S. Grundtvig 1783 – 1872 a Danish Pastor,Philospher,Teacher and Politician He promoted a spirit of freedom, poetry and disciplined creativity, within all branches of educational life. Only willing hands make light work.

Comparing Institutions Adult Education Ireland Aontas, Ireland’s National Adult Learning Organisation Estonia Andras, The Association of Estonian Adult Educators.

Mission Statements Aontas The mission of AONTAS is to advocate for the right of every adult in Ireland to quality learning. Andras “The mission of Andras is to provide the prerequisites for lifelong learning in Estonia, to include the decision makers and all other stakeholders in designing the educational environment, and to motivate learners in the learning process”

Adult Learning Festivals and Awarding Ceremonies I have participated and experienced these events in Ireland and Estonia.

1. My visit to Estonia showed me how another culture involves their adult learners. 2. In Estonia they include all ages in their Adult Learners ceremonies. This is Life Long Learning in practice. The young school children, teenagers, adults and seniors are all part of the ceremonies. 3. The children can witness their elder’s education achievement and realise that learning does not have to end when you leave school or college. 4. Awarding nominated individual Adult Learners annually. 5. The important role music, song and dance can play in ceremonies. 6. Animation can communicate to all ages not only small children. 7. Adult Education can be “advertised” and “celebrated” anywhere i.e. trams, buses, trains, planes and automobiles. 8. Classes for the old skills like knitting, sewing, weaving, pottery etc could be very successful – even from a tourist point of view offering week long summer schools. u

MUSIC MUSIC MUSIC. The important role music, song and dance can play in ceremonies.

ALL AGES WELCOME

IDEAS I have learnt the value of visiting other cultures and learning from their experiences. Also to try out ideas that have worked for them and that could work if applied in Ireland.

Different cultural approaches Estonia All ages take part in the award ceremonies Music, dancing laughing Trams used to advertise events Adults taught during the day in schools. Ireland Adults only Serious ceremony Social media Usually adult only venues.

IDEAS USED ON OUR RETURN Since this trip Dublin Bus have donated the use of a bus for the duration of the Learning Festival. This has been used as a “Learning Bus” with educational information and adult learners invited to take a trip on it during the festival. Music is used more in Aontas award ceremonies. For example the “Forever Young” choir has performed at a number of these ceremonies. They are singing proof of the benefits of life long learning as they are all O.A.P. in their 70s, 80s and beyond. They sing pop and rock songs. Ongoing contact with the other organizations involved with this Grundtvig programme. My Learner’s Diary of the trip to Estonia was published in Explore Magazine. Leargas film clip

IN CONCLUSION Given the opportunity adults learn from each other. This also applies to adults from different cultures and backgrounds. The knowledge can then be used to enhance and improve what is already taking place in your own country. There is a saying “Travel broadens the mind” this is true of my time in Estonia.

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