Launch of Learners’ Manifesto at the final conference of the EUR-Alpha Network in Bonn

Around 100 participants from 16 European countries attended a conference entitled “Literacy Learning – Its  Place in Europe: The  Issues and  Concerns of  Learners and  Tutors” that took  place in Bonn, Germany, on 4^th September 2012 in the context of the International Literacy Day. It was the final event held by the European Network for Adult Literacy and Numeracy (EUR-Alpha Network), of which UIL is a member, and it was co-organised by the network coordinator Lire et Écrire and the German Institute for Adult Education (DIE).

The conference included a greeting by a representative of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, and presentations by UIL and the European Commission on current literacy challenges at the global and European levels. The highlight was the launch of a Charter “Tutor Training for the Self-determination of Literacy Learners” and a Learners’ Manifesto entitled The Voice of  Writing and   Reading  Learners in Europe. In their presentation learners acted out several of their demands presented in the Manifesto under the overall claim to “ Have a Voice in Europe” which helped them to organise themselves. More detailed information and an opportunity to discuss empowering literacy teaching and learning practices were offered by the 16 partner organisations during a programme item entitled “Walk, Discover and Debate!” In addition to the Charter and Manifesto, the outcomes of EUR-Alpha Network activities include a publication with examples of empowering literacy practices from learners’ and tutors’ perspectives submitted by the partner organisations.