Group 4 - Working with under represented groups
Group 4 - Working with under represented groups
Thematic Networking Group 4 looks at working with under represented groups.
There is a drive across Europe to improve education, attainment, vocational and academic skills in those who are excluded from learning. Whether this may be through discrimination, lack of confidence or practical barriers to learning.
There is also a growing realisation that social inclusion and economic success are inextricably linked. Despite this, research shows that people with lowest levels of skills are the least likely to participate in education and training. At the same time, given rapid demographic change, we are increasingly dependent on skills of the existing population of working age.
Current discussion in the group
The purpose of TNG 4 is to look at good practice in providing education and training opportunities for all, and identifying opportunities for the Lifelong Learning Progamme to support under-represented groups. Challenges raised and discussed include:
- How best to engage learners from under-represented groups in lifelong learning.
- How to develop soft and enabling skills for under-represented groups ideally as a first step and not linked to qualifications.
- How to promote the benefits to employers of engaging with under-represented groups and how to raise awareness of what these individuals can do, rather than what they can’t!
- The role of entrepreneurship - setting up your own business can provide independence and flexibility.
Recommendations to the European Commission
At the meeting in October 2008, Thematic Networking Group 4 members had lots of good ideas on how the Lifelong Learning Programme could be more relevant and more open to groups working with disadvantaged learners.
To capitalise on these ideas we launched a consultation with the 22 core members of the group and also asked the virtual members (i.e. those that don’t attend the meetings but are interested in the discussions) to contribute. The summary of the recommendations was sent to the European Commission in early April 2009. 
Read the summary of recommendations
Compendium of projects working under-represented groups
This document provides information on some of the Grundtvig, Leonardo and Transversal projects funded in the 2007 and 2008 calls for proposals that are working with under-represented groups. The purpose of this compendium is to gather information on projects working with disadvantaged groups, but also to enable group members to share expertise and ideas. Read the compendium
How to get involved
If you'd like to join the group as a virtual member to receive bi-monthly updates by email on the latest group discussions and activities, then please contact Thematicgroup4@ecotec.com.
Intergenerational Learning
Intergenerational Learning
Intergenerational learning is the theme of the next TNG4 workshop. A good project on this topic is the Grundtvig Partnership TEDDY BEAR, which was selected as a success story by the European Commission.
Read TEDDYBEAR project case study >>
