Holistic personal development should be treated as a societal priority

Within the Erasmus+ program, our project manager Barbora Gecseová attened a course on the education of adults in Brussels. She resonated with the term “Bildung” and in the interview, she also reflects upon the perception of lifelong learning in society.

Why did you choose the topic of adult education for your course?

It aligns closely with my current role as a project manager at The Bridge. I wanted to explore the field more deeply and gain new perspectives on adult education as a whole. The course seemed like the perfect opportunity to do that and especially since our organization is part of an Erasmus+ accredited consortium, enabling us to utilize funding to support staff development and upskilling.

What were the key takeaways from the course and study visits?

The course was extremely professional and engaging. It gave me the chance to zoom out and view adult education from a “bird’s-eye perspective”. I started to see it as a system made up of individuals with very different ages, needs, and motivations. One term that really resonated with me was Bildung. It’s a concept that focuses on holistic personal development, not just professional growth. It’s particularly common in Scandinavian countries, where self-development is treated as a serious societal priority. That’s something I think we could embrace more widely.

During the study visits, we explored two inspiring organizations. The first was a Belgian NGO teaching literacy in French to communities. They explained how literacy has evolved within last 100 years and shared their “train the trainer” methodology. The second visit was to a Dutch “second chance” school offering dual learning programs in fields like healthcare, cooking, hospitality, or metalworking.

How did this experience change your view of adult education?

The course helped me see how essential adult education is to society. It’s not just about individual learning but about creating more informed and engaged communities. I also gained a better understanding of the role societal support plays in fostering adult learning. We discussed democracy, funding schemes, and how these can support organizations like ours.I also learned that by 2030, the goal is for 60% of adults in Europe to have participated in some form of education or training within the preceding 12 months. This is both inspiring and a powerful testament to the increasing importance placed on lifelong learning.

What impact did visiting Brussels have on you personally?

Visiting Brussels was a highlight. The city’s multicultural and dynamic atmosphere made a big impression on me. It really brought home the idea of European values and showed me how interconnected we are. Meeting participants from different countries and hearing about their education systems and practices helped me see Slovakia’s place within the larger European context. It was a reminder of both our shared challenges and the unique perspectives we bring to the table.

How will this course influence your future work at The Bridge?

It inspired me to advocate more strongly for adult education. I’m excited to incorporate more participatory and inclusive practices into our projects and to better promote the value of adult learning. This experience also motivated me to push for greater support for adult education at both organizational and societal levels.

Edited by: Barbora Gecseová and Kamila Jančíková