12th Adult Learners Week

In our chaotic world, where each day seems to bring proof that things have long ago stopped happening according to logic, people still come together to do something they believe in.

People can be united by a job, hobby, way of thinking, outlook on life, common fate and who knows what. People can also be united by an activity that is characteristic to them. Since the time when adult education has become a public issue in Estonia, more and more people who believe in learning have come together. They consider it important to create and build an education friendly environment.

The 12th Adult Learners’ Week (ALW) was opened on 2nd October in Põltsamaa, where the best were recognised in four categories.

The title of the Learner of the Year was given to Aili Valb from Võru County, and two special awards in the same category were received by Ella Põder from Põlva County and Raul Järve from Viljandi County. A special award by the Foundation InnoEstonia was given to Tiia Peetsu from Tartu County. Ene Lukka-Jegikjan from Tallinn was pronounced the Educator of the Year and Helgi Põllo from Hiiu County received a special award in the same category. The title of the Education Friendly Organisation went to MTÜ Eesti Pottsepad from Tartu County and the Education Friendly Local Government to Jõgeva Rural Municipality.

During the ALW Grundtvig Day, e-learning day and Adult Education Forum took place. There were a number of events in the counties and also universities. The learning bus travelled all over Estonia and the learning tram provided different activities in Tallinn.

The network does not only operate during the ALW and in the period of its preparation. Activities go on all through the year. The learners’ movement has become stronger and stronger, cooperation seminars for the adult gymnasiums and vocational educational institutions were held and an international seminar was hosted. There is constant work going on with adult educators and those who apply for the qualification of andragogue.

Dissemination of the information about Estonian adult education has become possible via television and radio programmes, national and local newspapers. There is also a magazine „Õpitrepp” covering the issue.

Learning unites people, giving meaning and content to their lives and encouraging them to change things that at first seem impossible to change.

We look forward to seeing you at the 13th Adult Learners Week 8-15 Oct 2010!