Celebrating 50 years of freedom: Highlights from the VIII Encontro de Educação de Adultos Prá Vida

On December 5, 2024, the VIII Encontro de Educação de Adultos Prá Vida took place at Cerâmica Arganilense, under the theme “50 Years of April 25th: Adult Education, Freedom, and Democracy.”

This event was organized by the Letras Prá Vida Project and aimed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 25th of April revolution, while reflecting on the vital role of adult education in shaping democracy and freedom, enrich the critical debate on adult education, actively contribute to the promotion of adult education for all, discuss the challenges of adult education and share strategies and bring together the Letras Prá Vida Community of Practice.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Citizens Xelerator Project, with a session titled “Projeto Citizens Xelerator: o que já foi e o que está para vir” (“Citizens Xelerator Project: What Has Been and What’s to Come”), delivered by the CX team.

This session highlighted the project’s achievements in fostering civic and democratic participation through adult education and discussed its future goals and initiatives.

The conference brought together educators, community members, and organizations to discuss these key issues and strengthen the Letras Prá Vida Community of Practice. Support for the event was provided by the Municipality of Arganil, ANQEP, and the partnership with several institutions, including the Portuguese Association for Culture and Lifelong Education and the Arganil Schools Group – Centro Qualifica.

This gathering was an opportunity to reflect on the legacy of the 25th of April and its enduring influence on the promotion of democratic values through adult education.