The EAEA, the largest European non-governmental organisation and the voice of non-formal ALE in Europe, has 120 member organisations across 43 countries. It represents over 60 million adult learners.
The association advocates accessible non-formal ways of acquiring knowledge. It aims to encourage participation, especially among those with less information and fewer opportunities.
The power and joy of learning
With this aim, it also addresses policy‑makers. The Manifesto for Adult Learning, subtitled The Power and Joy of Learning, was first published in 2016, then revised in 2019 and again in 2024. It has been issued in both long and short versions. The short version is, in fact, a summary of the main areas in which learning can improve the quality of life for adults. With each edition, the association encourages member states to ensure the text is available in their own language.
In 2016, we received the short version in Slovenian. We slightly adapted the long version and added Slovenian examples. Three years later, we decided to translate both documents – the short one (print-only) and the long one. Shortly after publication, the latest English version appeared on the EAEA website and in our Digital Reading Room. We provided the translation. It is available on the EAEA website, in our Digital Reading Room and on the Slovenian library portal dLib (in both short and long versions).
Final section: Policy recommendations
The number of thematic areas has increased slightly. The authors have added more up-to-date examples of good practice and the latest research findings. Among the individuals and institutions highlighted as exemplary is Marija Metlika, the best-known adult learner in Slovenia. We asked the EAEA to expand her story, which is why the Slovenian version includes slightly more text.
Marija Metlika certainly deserves attention, as she began her learning journey after she had already retired. In addition to her formal education – a degree in art history – she has acquired a range of non-formal skills. Above all, she is involved in numerous voluntary activities. As she says, these enrich her life and bring her happiness. In 2011, she received a SIAE Award for promoting learning and knowledge. Since then, she has been actively involved in awareness-raising of the importance of learning and knowledge among diverse target groups. The photo shows her with the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, at the Festival of the Third Age in 2024.
Exemplary cooperation
Our cooperation with Marina Sakač Hadžić, a Communication, Capacity Building and Membership Officer at the EAEA, was exemplary. She not only respected our original text but also followed the guidelines regarding specific features of Slovenian orthography.
The text serves as inspiration for all of us who believe in the power and joy of learning.
Edited by: Ana Peklenik (ana.peklenik@acs.si), SIAE