'Dialogues Unfolded'

  We are pleased to share information that the DIAL project has been labelled as a “ Good Practice ” project by Erasmus+.  “ Good Practice ” is a label awarded by Erasmus+ to completed projects that have been particularly well managed and their method and outcomes can be a source of inspiration for others. The assessment takes into account the relevance of the project results and objectives, the quality of the project management and the impact and dissemination of the project results. The DIAL project card on the Erasmus+ Project Results platform can be viewed in this link , for your information. We warmly thank the Finnish Erasmus+ Agency for this award!  Congratulations to our coordinator ( Opintotoiminnan Keskusliitto ry ) and all the partners ( Cooperazione Paesi Emergenti (IT), FUNDACJA CENTRUM CYFROWE (PL),  GLOTTA NOVA center za novo znanje, d.o.o.  (SI), EYROPAIKO INSTITOYTO TOPIKHS ANAPTYKSHS (EL))!

  Erasmus+ project DIAL – Dialogue in Adult Learning (2022-2024) explores dialogue as a key life skill that helps us collaborate effectively with others, build stronger connections within communities, and experience greater life satisfaction, since interacting with others is a significant part of our lives. As part of our partnership collaboration, we also invited libraries to participate in the project as hosts of dialogue-based events. In this article we would like to present some of the events organised by the ambassadors of dialogue. The events were very well received by the visitors, and we are happy to point out that most of the events continue to live on also after the project has ended. "With a Book to Freedom" at Šiška Library   The Ljubljana City Library has opened the doors of its Šiška Library branch to the reading group “With a Book to Freedom" , led by librarian Maša Uran . The original aim was to organize reading sessions for those who have experienced i...

In the wake of the recent German elections, our Erasmus+ project stands as a testament to the enduring power of cultural exchange and collaborative learning in a dynamic European landscape. As the political climate evolves, we are reminded that education and open dialogue play critical roles in uniting diverse communities and strengthening democracy. Our initiative aims to bridge divides by connecting students, educators, and community leaders from across Europe to share ideas and foster mutual understanding. This project comes at a time when Europe is witnessing significant political and societal shifts, with new leadership in Germany sparking discussions on unity, reform, and future directions. Through workshops, debates, and collaborative projects, participants are encouraged to explore these emerging narratives. The program is designed not only to advance academic and vocational skills but also to cultivate critical thinking and civic engagement, empowering young Europeans to cont...

Civil dialogue holds a crucial place in efforts to strengthen participatory democracy within the European Union (EU), shaping a more inclusive and transparent decision-making process. The EU Civil Society Contact Group defines civil dialogue as an interaction between public institutions and civil society organizations (CSOs), grounded in mutual recognition and responsiveness. It spans various levels of engagement, from informal consultations to legally recognized frameworks. This dialogue is essential within the EU’s intricate institutional landscape, where policymakers often seem detached from citizens. By facilitating direct interaction between policymakers and civil society, civil dialogue ensures diverse societal perspectives inform decision-making, fostering trust, accountability, and institutional responsiveness. The importance of civil dialogue intensifies within the broader debate on participatory democracy across national and European levels. Democracy transcends elections, in...

As socio-political turbulence continues to challenge democratic values and social cohesion, the DIAL Erasmus Plus project emerges as a groundbreaking initiative to address these issues. At its core, DIAL’s vision of “dialogue for all” seeks to make dialogue skills more accessible, fostering greater engagement and reducing polarisation. Unlike traditional approaches that often focus on youth, this project places adults at the center, acknowledging their unique needs and life experiences. By treating dialogue as a fundamental life skill comparable to literacy or digital competence, DIAL offers a learner-centered model that empowers individuals to navigate contemporary challenges with confidence and empathy. What sets the DIAL project apart is its innovative approach to dialogue training. While existing models, like the Finnish Time Out dialogue, have proven effective in structured environments, they often fail to address everyday interactions. DIAL bridges this gap by creating a low-thre...

In a rapidly changing world, societal and political polarisation is becoming an increasingly critical issue, eroding trust and fostering division. The Dialogue in Adult Learning (DIAL) Erasmus Plus project addresses this challenge by equipping adults with essential dialogue skills. Polarisation often stems from and perpetuates a lack of meaningful conversation, creating barriers to understanding and cooperation. DIAL aims to bridge this gap by developing a model tailored for adults, empowering individuals to engage constructively in everyday discussions. This initiative aligns with the European Association for the Education of Adults' call to prioritize dialogue training, recognizing its potential to counteract "us vs. them" thinking and strengthen the foundations of European democracy. One of the most pressing societal challenges today is the spread of misinformation, which thrives on polarisation and emotional reactions. According to recent studies, only a small percent...

  The DIAL project’s coordinator, The Sivis Study Centre from Finland, has been taking part in the national Well said ( Hyvin sanottu ) campaign for a few years. The campaign is coordinated by the public service broadcaster YLE, and its idea is to create safe spaces for dialogue and to strengthen mutual trust. One of the activities is the Well said festival, where we have facilitated dialogues every year. One part of the campaign is a national survey on dialogue. This year, 76 % of the respondents said they enjoy deep conversations and over 90 % agreed that listening is vital in dialogue – a skill we have tried to address in the DIAL project as well. However, people are quite worried that the culture of conversation and dialogue has deteriorated in the last year. This year 67 % of the respondents thought so. Most respondents call for more respect in public discussions and on social media. It might be a consequence of increasing polarisation, but this time 22 % of the respondents s...

In the face of recent developments across Europe, the importance of dialogue as a practical tool for fostering understanding, unity, and progress has become increasingly evident. We can all understand that with the continent grappling with a range of challenges, from political polarization and social unrest to economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, the need for open, inclusive, and constructive dialogue has never been more critical. One of the most pressing issues in Europe today is the rise of political polarization. As societies become more divided, dialogue emerges as a key mechanism for bridging gaps between opposing viewpoints. This means that European nations could foster a more cohesive and resilient society, if decided to encourage conversation that transcends ideological divides. This is particularly important as Europe navigates the complexities of migration, social integration, and the preservation of democratic values. The recent economic disruptions, before and ...

  At the recent conference organised by the European Association for the Education of Adults in Helsinki in June 2024, Isabell Kempf , Director of the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning , stressed that the social aspects of adult education should not be underestimated, but they often are. She continued that adult education offers opportunities for dialogue, which builds functioning democracies. This is why we as educators of people of all ages should remember to offer opportunities to engage in dialogue in the classroom. Our task is to prepare our learners to a world where dialogue skills help them to participate as family members and citizens. In the Erasmus+ DIAL project we have learned that even though many other soft skills such as communication or time management are given stress in adult education, dialogue skills are often neglected. Besides democratic participation and work skills, the other benefits of including dialogue in the learning experience is that it bring...

I have always loved listening to others. Since I can remember I have been curious about people's inner worlds—what their dreams are, what shapes their thoughts, what inspires them, what triggers their anger, how they cope with sadness, what brings them joy. Other peoples' perspectives and the insights they can offer me have always been valuable to me. And I have often been a person that my friends turned to when they needed support, a shoulder to cry on, or simply somebody who could just be there for them when they needed a talk or feel happy for them when they shared their adventures. It was only natural to me that I offered space for them and gave them my full attention. In return, I myself felt enriched, a tiny bit wiser, and better prepared for my own life challenges. Luckily, my life path led me to find a profession that helps people learn how to better listen to themselves so that they can make better decisions and live a more fulfilling life. As a professional coac...