Črnomelj AEC is an accredited Erasmus+ organisation, which enables us to take part in international learning experiences and exchange good practice.
Between 19 and 24 January, a group of 14 participants took part in a professional mobility visit hosted by the adult education provider CPIA Imperia in Italy. The group included older adults, migrants and participants enrolled in Slovenian as a second or foreign language programmes, as well as those involved in the Initial Integration of Immigrants (ZIP) programme, social activation initiatives and an Italian language course within the Key Competences programme. The Črnomelj AEC Participant of the Year 2025 also joined the group.
We visited all three branches of the host institution, located in Imperia, Sanremo and Ventimiglia.
During the visit, we became acquainted with the work of CPIA Imperia, its mentors and, above all, the adult learners enrolled in its programmes. Many participants are migrants or belong to target groups with fewer opportunities. Of particular value was the opportunity to take part directly in programme delivery, which is strongly rooted in inclusion and integration and addresses key contemporary themes such as the green transition, sustainable development and active citizenship. In this context, language is not an end in itself but a tool for understanding everyday situations, engaging with the community and supporting more effective integration into society.
At CPIA, strong emphasis is placed on a digital approach to learning and teaching, alongside the integration of content related to the protection of natural and cultural heritage. We were particularly impressed by the organisation of teaching for vulnerable target groups. Two mentors, working in close coordination and supported by digital tools, enable a more tailored and effective learning experience. Another notable example of good practice was the use of practical, real-life scenarios, which connect participants with contemporary challenges in a direct and meaningful way.
As part of the programme, we also explored the region’s cultural heritage. In Ventimiglia, we visited the renowned Aprosiana Library, one of the oldest institutions of its kind in Italy and an outstanding example of the preservation of written heritage.
In Sanremo, known as the city of flowers and Italian music, we visited the Santa Tecla Fortress, a former prison that has been transformed into a multifunctional cultural venue. These examples clearly demonstrated how architectural and cultural heritage can be meaningfully linked to contemporary content and integrated into sustainable environmental development. At the same time, we observed many similarities between our respective contexts – in Liguria, too, there is a strong connection between educational organisations and the local environment, as well as close cooperation between adult education stakeholders and the wider community.
During visits to the local area and green markets, we explored how natural resources and the region’s development orientation are connected in practice. To engage more closely with sustainability themes, participants were given a specific task: to document and photograph moments related to the green transition, environmental protection and sustainable ways of living. This resulted in a rich collection of insightful and thought-provoking photographs, which will serve as learning material and inspiration for further work back home.
The mobility experience in Italy provided a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences, compare practices between Italy and Slovenia and reflect on how adult education can contribute to a more inclusive and environmentally responsible society. Participants will transfer the knowledge gained into the programmes of Črnomelj AEC and integrate it into future educational and project activities. The mobility was funded by the European Commission.
Nada Babič Ivaniš (nada.babic@zik-crnomelj.si), Črnomelj AEC