The third conference of ESREA Network on Education and Learning of Older Adults (ELOA) will be held at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, from the Wednesday afternoon (19th of September) to Friday evening (21st of September 2012). The conference will be held at the Faculty of Arts in the centre of Ljubljana.  

Intergenerational solidarity and older adults education in community

The third conference of ESREA Network on Education and Learning of Older Adults (ELOA) will be held at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, from the Wednesday afternoon (19th of September) to Friday evening (21st of September 2012). The conference will be held at the Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, which is situated in the centre of Ljubljana. 
The conference will be held in 2012 which the European Union has designated as the 'European Year of Active Ageing'. 

The current demographic trends are changing the relations between gen¬erations, and consequentially, are influencing the way citizens experience their social, economi¬cal, cultural and political lives. This state of affairs warrants stronger intergenerational ties and polices that function to reduce and abolish age segregation. Stronger intergenerational solidarity can be achieved by policies and activities encouraging a reciprocal exchange between the generations. One fruitful way forward is undoubtedly community education, which has a long and fruitful tradition, and not only influences sustainable social development but also encourages the personal growth, mutual relationships and the quality of life of members in communities. 

Community education strengthens the connection between formal and non-formal educational settings because it occurs in different locations and forms, as well as because it includes different practices and purposes (for example, education of older adults, education for democracy, youth community work and education, cooperation in community, etc.). Community education can be understood as a possibility for the ‘reviving of community’ since it influences the transmission of new ideas into practice (also by learning different skills), and the building of bridges between people in divided communities. It also helps to strengthen solidarity and understanding amongst people, whilst also aiding the combating of loneliness and alienation.

For further information, please see: http://eloa2012.pedagogika-andragogika.com