Held on 13 and14 May 2025, the SEA-EU 2.0 Lifelong Learning Workshop gathered international delegates and local stakeholders at the University of Malta鈥檚 Valletta and Msida campuses to reflect on the evolving landscape of adult education and the professionalisation of adult educators.
The workshop was convened by Prof. Marvin Formosa and Dr Maria Brown, who lead Task 2.5: SEA-EU becoming a diversified lifelong learning hub, in collaboration with the SEA-EU Office.
Delegates also engaged in an expos茅 delivered by Dr James Cilia of the University of Malta (UM)鈥檚 Office for Professional Academic Development (OPAD), highlighting current training offerings and digital transformation efforts.
Day one featured a series of presentations by representatives of the SEA-EU Alliance, exploring institutional approaches to LLL and opportunities for professional development.
Delegates also engaged in an expos茅 delivered by Dr James Cilia of the University of Malta (UM)鈥檚 Office for Professional Academic Development (OPAD), highlighting current training offerings and digital transformation efforts.
A key highlight of the event took place on the morning of 14 May during a public roundtable discussion focused on the professionalisation of adult educators and trainers for sustainable lifelong learning.
This convened the Ministry of Education鈥檚 Director for Lifelong Learning Grazio Grixti, the Director of the UM鈥檚 Centre for Liberal Arts and Sciences Prof. David Mifsud, the UM鈥檚 Equity Officer Nadia Abdilla, and UM students Stefan Scicluna and Maria Sammut Kabanova. The discussants grappled with issues and challenges concerning quality and inclusivity in lifelong education, particularly in the context of the UM and the broader SEA-EU Alliance.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) emerged as a particularly important theme, with stakeholders reflecting on its role in widening participation and supporting non-traditional learners. The idea of a national or transnational framework for the professionalisation of adult educators was also critically explored, linking with SEA-EU 2.0鈥檚 focus on cross-border mobility and qualification alignment.
The workshop concluded with underlining best practices in the professionalisation of adult educators and RPL identified within the SEA-EU alliance. The delegation also discussed Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) that are more accessible for the general public across the SEA-EU Alliance member countries.
Further information about SEA-EU Task 2.5: SEA-EU becoming a diversified lifelong learning hub can be obtained via email.
