inclusion
I argue: Digital inclusion is key to democratic participation
“Digital inclusion is vital for enabling civic engagement and strengthening democracy. When citizens cannot navigate digital platforms, their ability to influence policies or shape communities is diminished,” writes Maja Brynteson of Nordregio in ELM’s “I argue” series.
Democracy at the crossroads: dialogue or defence?
With polarisation on the rise, is meaningful dialogue across divides still possible? Political scientist Richard Gebhardt and psychologist Marina Weisband explore the issue from a German perspective.
Learning City Derry taps lifelong learning to break the cycle of violence
Northern Ireland’s sectarian violence has faded, but the region still suffers from high rates of domestic and sexual violence. While addressing the root causes, Derry supports victims through adult education.
Reaching young adults: “Genuine dialogue and authentic listening are crucial”
“To truly connect with young people, adult education must place them at the centre, offering spaces where they can express themselves and feel heard,” says Tommaso Caraccioli from the University of Würzburg. With this interview, ELM launches “Young voices”, a new series highlighting the perspectives of the next generation shaping adult education across Europe.
Fostering civic engagement: Citizens Xelerator in Portugal
As Portugal faces declining support for adult education, initiatives like Citizens Xelerator are more crucial than ever. In Lisbon, women from the association Grandma Came to Work and Citizens Xelerator explored embroidery while developing civic skills and social connections.
Teaching media literacy in Palestine: Supporting civil society and democracy
Teaching fact-checking and digital safety is important. The media literacy course organized by Bethlehem University and the Kvs Foundation goes further, fostering active citizenship and strengthening democracy in Palestine. Teacher Tamara Abu Laban and student Natali Nasser Abuayyash share their experiences.
Beth John: “As educators, our responsibility is to awaken possibilities in our learners“
Our “Meet the board” series introduces the members of ELM Magazine’s editorial board. Our new member, Beth John of Adult Learning Wales, believes in the powerful, transformative role that tutors and lecturers play in supporting adult learners.
Project Stories: Empowering career advisors to combat digital exclusion
Gudrun Totland Raddatz from the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration discusses a competency package developed for the employees to help combat digital exclusion among residents.
Developing literacy skills in a 3D museum
In a virtual museum – “A library of life, love and loss” – adult learners can post images and brief tales and develop their literacy skills. The gallery shares poignant stories and represents a valuable teaching method.
A Faroe Islands project helps young adults build confidence in education
The Faroese project Serbreyt invests in the education of young people with special needs. The key is identifying the strengths of the learners and building on them.
