The Hellenic Adult Education Association hosted the Partner Up Webinar on December 13, 2024, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders from various sectors engaged in Adult Education and training. Participants included representatives from the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports; the Labor Institute of GSEE; the University of Athens; the Frederic University in Cyprus; the Hellenic Open University; Second Chance Schools; Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers; and the Public Employment Service. The event served as a platform for collaboration, discussion, and strategic planning to enhance lifelong learning (LLL) and upskilling pathways in Greece.
The webinar opened with remarks from Mrs. Kafetzopoulou, the Secretary-General for Vocational Education, Training (VET), and Lifelong Learning at the Ministry of Education. She emphasized the government’s commitment to making lifelong learning a top priority and encouraged participants to contribute their expertise and proposals to foster robust collaborations and ensure the sustainability of ongoing projects. Mrs. Kafetzopoulou underscored the importance of collective action to advance upskilling pathways and urged all stakeholders to play an active role in achieving this shared goal.
Following her opening remarks, the HAEA delivered a comprehensive presentation on the Partner Up Project. This presentation outlined the project’s objectives, outcomes, and key activities, with a particular focus on the insights gathered during its implementation. Findings from focus groups, development teams, and group discussions were highlighted, shedding light on critical challenges and opportunities in the realm of lifelong learning and adult education.
The presentation was followed by a dynamic group discussion where participants exchanged their impressions of the project and shared ideas for future steps to build effective and inclusive upskilling pathways. A recurring theme in the discussion was the lack of coordinated strategic actions among stakeholders. Participants unanimously agreed that addressing this gap was crucial for the success and sustainability of lifelong learning initiatives.
As a result, the group collectively decided to draft a policy proposal to be submitted to the Ministry of Education. This proposal will outline actionable steps for fostering deeper, more sustainable, and well-coordinated collaborations among all relevant bodies. The document aims to provide a roadmap for serious and long-term cooperation, emphasizing the need for strategic alignment to meet the diverse needs of learners across Greece.
