The implementation of the project aimed to contribute to the development of more effective and inclusive adult education policies, grounded in the real needs and barriers faced by target groups. Our objective was to map the situation of low-qualified adults and other vulnerable groups in Slovakia and Portugal, identify the obstacles impeding their access to learning, and formulate specific recommendations for policymakers and the professional community. Additionally, we sought to create a platform for international exchange of experiences, foster dialogue between practice and policy, and strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation in the field of lifelong learning.
The implementation of the project aimed to contribute to the development of evidence-based policy in the field of adult education. The focus was on identifying the genuine and often concealed barriers that hinder adults with low educational attainment from engaging in lifelong learning. Through field research conducted across three Slovak regions—western, central, and eastern Slovakia—the study emphasized the accounts of individuals experiencing social exclusion, particularly from marginalized Roma communities, as well as professionals working directly with these groups. The findings indicate that the decision to refrain from participation in education is rarely voluntary, but rather a result of systemic neglect, poverty, discrimination, and personal life circumstances.