Scientific Coordinators: Thanasis Karalis and Natassa Raikou
Timeline: February – August 2026
General adult education has become a crucial field of learning today, as increasing numbers of adults turn to it in search of new skills, professional empowerment, and personal development. For these educational programs to have significant value, they require educators who can respond effectively to the needs of a diverse, and often demanding audience. Adult learners bring with them life experiences, professional trajectories, challenges, and expectations; for this reason, adult educators need empathy, creativity, flexibility, and the ability to connect learning with everyday life. Nevertheless, these qualities are not always systematically cultivated through existing education and certification processes for educators.
In response to this need, the project “Highlighting the Importance and Competences of Adult Educators” has been designed to support the National Agenda (2026–2027) by emphasizing the role and the key competences required of those working in general adult education.
The project’s activities are structured around three main stages.
- First, a targeted review of contemporary literature and international practices will be conducted to identify the competences currently considered essential for adult educators.
- Second, a focus group and a series of interviews with active educators will be carried out, ensuring that the real needs, challenges, and good practices from the field are captured.
- Third, all findings will be synthesized into concrete proposals aimed at improving the training, certification, and professional development of adult educators.
The overall aim of the project is to contribute to enhancing the quality of general adult education through a more meaningful and up-to-date approach to the educator’s profile. Strengthening digital, green, and soft skills, fostering critical reflection, and promoting experiential learning methods are key elements of this direction. By investing in educators, we ultimately invest in adult learning and in society’s capacity to grow and evolve.
