Capacitation Programme: Building the Foundation
From February to May 2024, the partners delivered a capacitation programme designed to prepare adult education professionals for the project’s piloting phase. This program exceeded expectations, attracting 112 participants—surpassing the anticipated 80. Participants included adult education trainers, teachers, community educators, psychologists, counsellors, social workers, pedagogues, and project managers.
Tailored Local Approaches
Each country implemented the capacitation programme with unique adaptations tailored to its local context and audience.
In Greece, ActionAid streamlined the program into a two-day workshop that energized 13 participants from nine organizations with interactive sessions using LifeComp Cards and brainstorming exercises to inspire action.
Spain’s ACEFIR held two online sessions, ensuring accessibility for 13 teachers across four centers, with plans for in-person follow-ups to deepen engagement and collaboration.
In Romania, AEAE conducted a six-hour workshop in Drajna Secondary School, engaging 12 participants in discussions on transitioning the Citizens Xelerator Action Labs from theory to practice.
Ireland’s AONTAS hosted an immersive two-day training at Maynooth University for community educators, emphasizing political discourse and societal issues.
Portugal’s APCEP offered a blended program of online and autonomous learning, equipping 24 educators with practical skills for implementing the initiative locally.
Meanwhile, CESIE in Italy combined paper and digital materials in its sessions, focusing on project tools’ usability. Though faced with low initial attendance, the program successfully motivated educators to adopt innovative tools.
Croatia’s DANTE shifted its planned in-person session to an online webinar, allowing 10 professionals from five institutions to explore the resources effectively.
Finally, VHS Cham in Germany held a half-day intensive session, facilitating discussions around LifeComp Cards, microlearning sessions and Xelerator Days for 11 staff members, who highlighted the value of these tools in diverse teaching environments.
Looking Ahead
The Citizens Xelerator project represents a significant step toward empowering adult learners and promoting democratic values across Europe. By equipping educators with innovative tools and fostering collaboration among professionals, the initiative is paving the way for systemic change in adult education. As the project continues to unfold, it holds the promise of transforming communities and strengthening democratic participation at all levels.
