The "One Step Up" project set out to improve access to lifelong learning for marginalized adults with low skill levels or qualifications, addressing the educational barriers faced by groups such as the long-term unemployed, migrants, and refugees. Key objectives included providing accessible, high-quality learning opportunities to re-engage these groups in education, thereby fostering their social inclusion and economic integration. The project also focused on enhancing the digital and andragogical skills of adult educators, equipping them with the necessary tools to offer more flexible, engaging, and inclusive learning pathways tailored to low-skilled adults. By developing innovative resources like micro-learning modules and hosting community learning festivals, "One Step Up" aimed to create bite-sized, accessible learning formats that effectively lower traditional barriers to education. This approach supports greater social cohesion, empowers disadvantaged adults, and enhances employability across the EU, contributing to more inclusive and resilient communities.
The "One Step Up" project application addresses significant needs related to adult education, focusing on marginalized groups within the EU who experience low participation in lifelong learning. Statistics show that adult education engagement rates fall below the EU's target of 15% in several countries represented in the consortium, emphasizing a widespread need to boost access to learning for those with low qualifications, the unemployed, and long-term unemployed, elderly as well as migrant and refugee communities. Motivated by high levels of unemployment, especially post-COVID-19, and the necessity for modern, adaptable skills in a knowledge-based economy, the project aims to re-engage these groups through lifelong learning, which can improve their economic prospects, social inclusion, and overall well-being. The objectives include providing accessible, high-quality learning opportunities and developing innovative, flexible educational resources to help adult learners gain necessary skills. Additionally, the project will equip adult educators with enhanced digital and andragogical skills to better support these vulnerable groups.