Background of the project: AONTAS is seeking to develop its work at the EU level and strengthen existing partnerships, by integrating an international dimension to our membership services, raising awareness regarding EU adult learning policy, share best practices of Irish adult education and in particular community education; including non-formal adult education and the learner voice. Objectives: 1. to learn about European developments in adult education and lifelong learning 2. to engage in discussion regarding effective advocacy work at European level 3. to exchange information and knowledge about other organisations and adult education in other European countries. 4. to explore ways to broaden the discourse on adult learning with a view to influencing policy at European level 5. to better understand adult education practices in the host countries; Belgium, Portugal, Estonia, Finland, France and the UK 6. job shadowing of a high level learning advocate and Secretary General Profile of participants: Berni Brady - Chief Executive Officer of AONTAS Niamh O'Reilly - Head of Strategic Development and Membership Services Brid Greenan - EAAL project coordinator Jim Prior- coordinator Southill Family Resource Centre Description of undertaken activities; 1. presentation of information.exchange of information on Adult Education in various countries 2. meeting with civil servants in the European Commission responsible for Adult Education 3. discussing key challenges for adult education advocates e.g. building support for an interest group on Lifelong Learning 4. linking European Adult Education policy to National issues 5. hosted a World Cafe Workshop on the future vision of adult education from a European NGO perspective 6. learning about the European Funded Project AE-Pro and discussing the findings of the interim project report 7. workshop on a manifesto for adult learning 8. workshop on developing a communication strategy to promote the benefits and outcomes of adult learning 9. discussion aimed to bring leaders, policy makers and practitioners from the UK and Europe together to share and promote best practice in order to improve the impact of adult learning. Results and impact attained: 1. better understanding of the new European structures and working of the institutions, especially the European Commission and the impact of the move of adult education from the Directorate-General Education and Culture to the Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion. 2. developing a Manifesto for adult education that combines the two perspectives of adult education (Skills and Social). 3. understanding the potential of European funded projects, as well as the benefits and challenges. 4. improved advocacy skills for adult education. 5. broadening networks and exploring the possibilities of new partnerships. 6. improving language competency skills 7. greater knowledge of the work of NIACE initiatives in the UK 8. acquired up to date information on the range of European projects engaged in by the EAEA.