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As an integral part of this action a structured learning programme for Downe U3A learners will be created with learner involvement in the content of the syllabus. Informal and social links with young people to pursue intergenerational exchange in the sharing of knowledge and culture will be a feature of the action. Contact between the generations will inform the future. Germany Ada-und-Theodor-Lessing Volkshochschule Hannover is a large open-access urban community college, providing the people of Hannover and its region, irrespective of origin, educational level or income, with courses in almost every sphere of human activity: vocational, cultural, 33 languages, technical, personal development, health, society, politics, environment, leisure, practical arts and crafts, IT, basic education and retaking school qualifications. A significant number of our learners are from ethnic minorities, disabled, and unemployed, poorly qualified or otherwise financially and/or culturally disadvantaged and/or marginalised. We see foreign language and IT learning in the wider context of intercultural understanding and encounter, and as a life-enriching experience for learners and teachers alike. Participants in the thriving 'English for Senior Citizens' programme (c. 35 courses and 350 learners each semester) and older learners of other languages represent a rich, hitherto untapped, source of personal anecdote and mature reflection on the epochal events of European history since 1945 and the state of Europe today. We regard this project as an ideal vehicle for enhancing the participation of older learners in society. We welcome the invitation to participate in 'Our Continent - Our Culture' as an opportunity to validate the linguistic, social cohesion and European awareness aspects of our courses, and as a powerful motivating and contextualising force to enhance the relevance and attractiveness of our programme. We look forward to our learners conveying their experiences and reflections to young people in the partner countries in the cause of trans-European and trans-generational understanding, to the visits by our learners and staff to other countries enriching their lives and professional practice, and also to enhancing learners' self-esteem through their positive contribution to the development of the European vision. Italy The CTP Adult Education Centre of Scandiano is part of the national school system, and it was founded in 2000. Its reference area includes 6 Municipalities and an overall population of approximately 70.000 inhabitants. Through its activity the CTP aims to guarantee:
The education on offer includes both activities carried out with its own staff and activities realized in collaboration with expert consultants and agencies. Everybody, who is at least 16 years old, with or without specific qualifications, but willing to follow the offered path to education, can take part to CTP activities. Presently those who participate are mainly:
Spain The Senior University (University of A Coruña, Spain) is a degree for over 50s that are unemployed and demand an updated education according to their cultural interests. The Senior University is a four year degree. After the four years (36 credits, 10 hours per credit) the students will qualify for: Título de Graduado Senior pola Universidade da Coruña. This title doesn´t give a professional qualification. Each student has to study two compulsory subjects per year plus one that they can choose. The subjects belong to the following areas: Humanities and Social Sciences, Science and Technology and Health Sciences. There are also workshops that the students can join if they want to (e.g. music, European projects, cinema…). Finland Kyrönmaan Opisto is an Adult Education Centre with approx. 3500 students of which 83 % are adult learners (18 years or older) and approx. 50 % were born in the 1950's or earlier. Our senior students participate in various courses - for example history, handicrafts, languages, choirs, physical exercise and ICT. Senior study circles/discussion groups, language courses and ICT - courses are an essential part of our basic activity. Kyrönmaan Opisto participates in local cultural life in cooperation with the municipal administration and other institutions such as schools and libraries. Local networking is the first step towards regional, national and international networking and helps in the dissemination processes. Kyrönmaan Opisto is, like all adult education centres in Finland, easy to access. Anyone can attend courses irrespective of his/her educational background, profession, gender or age. Kyrönmaan Opisto promotes lifelong learning and educational equality.Portugal ASSOCIAÇÃO PARA A EDUCAÇÃO TECNOLÓGICA DO VALE DO AVE is a vocational / technical private school located in the North of Portugal. We are situated in the Ave Valley, a geographical region greatly affected by the economical crisis of the textile companies, once its great source of wealth. Most of our students belong to families with very low incomes and at a risk of giving up school. Our main aim is the preparation of qualified youngsters, who can answer to the demands of the market and who can live creative, fruitful and successful lives. Established in 1990, FORAVE has level III courses (equivalent to upper secondary school) and level II courses (equivalent to lower secondary school) and its main aim is the preparation of qualified youngsters for active life. This school has always given great importance to an individualized education, with a strong emphasis on professional traineeships. There are also EFA courses, included in the Lifelong Learning National Education Plan, through which adult students have voluntarily returned to study and are trying to improve or acquire skills and school certificates they didn't have the opportunity of getting when they were formerly at school. At the moment, our school is teaching level III and level II Courses in Quality Control Technician (level III) and in Audio, Radio, TV and Video Installation and Repairing (level II) to these adult students. Forave is also an active partner of the enterprises, the community and the local associations. We provide four different level III courses: a Technical Course in Management, a Technical Course in Industrial Maintenance, a Technical Course in Electronics, Automation and Control and a Technical Course in Food Quality Control, strongly supported by the international company Continental Tyres AG.
The level II courses are concerned with Mechanics, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration and Social Services.
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Downe U3A is an independently managed, self-governing charitable association with its own constitution. Membership is open to anyone no longer in full time employment who wishes to learn and help others learn. This sharing of knowledge, skills, interests and experience (together with the enjoyment of discovering new horizons, new learning, the celebration of the capabilities and potential of Senior Learners and their contribution to a Democratic Society) are main aims of the Association. Membership is drawn from a radius of some 30 km and consists, in large part, of retired professionals. Currently none have any major physical needs but social marginalisation (rural locations/ deceased partners…) and learning needs (ICT/Language…) are often cited as motivation for membership.