What does it mean to be literate today? It is no longer a single skill, but a combination of competences that develop throughout life – at work, through civic engagement and in everyday situations.
These questions are explored in the latest EPALE podcast Navigating Literacy in a Complex World, in which host Heini Huhtinen talks with Professor Sari Sulkunen about the concept of multiliteracies. Their conversation sheds light on how adults develop literacies across different contexts and why digital environments and AI tools further emphasise the importance of critical literacy and writing skills. The podcast offers a valuable professional perspective for those who understand literacy in adult learning as a foundation for participation, autonomy and lifelong learning.
Adult educators in Slovenia can also rely on strong national support. The Slovenian Institute for Adult Education (SIAE) brings together conceptual frameworks, expert resources, examples of good practices and tools for developing adult literacy on the website pismenost.acs.si. These resources can be directly applied in practice and adapted to diverse learning needs. Key information is available in English, while many practical resources are provided in Slovenian.
At the same time, EPALE offers additional motivation for active participation through EPALE badges. These recognise the contributions of community members who read, comment on, publish and co-create content. Badges are not merely symbols of recognition but a way to become a more visible part of the European adult learning community. A new video guide is available, taking you through the process step by step and showing how your contribution and engagement can be recognised in just a few minutes.
One of the best ways to earn your first badges and maximise the impact of your first contribution is by taking part in the EPALE Community Stories initiative. The initiative invites personal, professional or reflective stories from adult learning practice. Each story is published in the national language, translated into English (and often into other languages – EPALE currently offers 32 language versions) and included in the annual EPALE Community Storiebook, published in conjunction with the EPALE Community Conference.
At the same time, it is a pathway to visibility. If you would like to strengthen your professional profile and contribute to the community, now is the time – the initiative is open until 30 June.
➡ Listen to the EPALE podcast: Navigating Literacy in a Complex World
➡ Explore resources for developing adult literacy
➡ Take part in the EPALE Community Stories initiative
Špela Močilnikar (spela.mocilnikar@cmepius.si), CMEPIUS, with editorial support from AI tools