The CompArte project tackled the gap in non-formal education for marginalized adults in two EU countries by emphasizing the significance of extracurricular art activities as tools for enhancing the essential competencies required by contemporary multicultural European society. The project aimed to facilitate the integration of adults facing various disadvantages (such as immigrants, refugees, the unemployed, those from rural areas, and vulnerable women) and to enhance their employability. CompArte successfully built capacities and empowered social workers, trainers, and mentors, enhancing the quality and innovation of art-based pedagogical approaches. These approaches were designed to effectively address diversity within non-formal learning environments. Additionally, the project fostered close collaboration among civil society organizations, educators, local authorities, and the private sector, ensuring the active involvement of all members of the learning community in developing the key competencies of marginalized adults. Furthermore, CompArte sought to engage society as a whole in promoting EU strategies for lifelong learning and the social inclusion of marginalized adults.
The European economy is in a state of continuous change, leading to shifting demands for relevant knowledge, skills, and attitudes. In order to adapt to these changes, adult learners need to possess a range of essential competencies, such as digital literacy and proficiency. Additionally, critical thinking, creativity, and the ability to collaborate effectively are crucial for building sustainable careers and actively participating in society. Despite various European initiatives aimed at addressing this issue, such as the Council Recommendation on key competences for lifelong learning and the new Skills Agenda for Europe, statistics from Eurostat (source: trng_aes_176) indicate that 37% of adult learners in the EU lack basic and essential competencies. Addressing this gap requires innovative approaches, particularly in the education of marginalized adults. The CompArte project, a collaborative effort between two organizations from different countries, aims to enhance the quality of work and educational practices within organizations involved in developing and sharing training methodologies. This project utilizes art to foster the development of key competencies among marginalized adults in Spain, Germany, and across Europe.