Lifelong Learning: Pathways to Europe
Lifelong Learning: Pathways to Europe
Discover how EU funding can support lifelong learning and adult education initiatives in Ireland.
EPALE (the Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe) is a multilingual, open membership community of adult learning professionals. Serving as the hub for news, events and discussion on adult learning across Europe. It is an initiative of Erasmus+, the EU’s funding programme for education, training, youth, and sport which offers a variety of opportunities for Irish civil society organisations.
In 2025, EPALE’s thematic focus is Basic Skills, a critical priority for fostering social inclusion and strengthening Europe’s labour market. Basic skills initiatives address on skills, employment, and adult learning, with the aim of making education more accessible for vulnerable groups and to ensure that adults facing basic skills challenges are not left behind.
This in-person event will feature an overview of Erasmus+ funding opportunities for basic skills projects, case studies of successful initiatives, and insights on EPALE supports for Erasmus+ projects. You’ll also have the chance to take part in discussions and networking sessions with peers and funding experts, leaving with practical tools, ideas, and connections to help advance your work.
Learning Focus
- Insights into Erasmus+ funding and supports for basic skills projects
- Inspiration from real-life project success stories
- Practical guidance on how EPALE can support Erasmus+ projects
- Interactive Q&A and table discussions to share ideas and challenges.
Whether you are brand new to EPALE and Erasmus+ or looking to scale up your existing activities, don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to network with your peers and learn from organisations like yours!
This event is a joint collaboration between The Wheel’s Access Europe programme and Léargas, the National Agency for Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps in Ireland.
- You can book places for yourself and/or colleagues by clicking the button below.
- This event will take place in-person
- Please email matthew@wheel.ie if you have any special requirements.
Meet Your Speakers
Emily Nelson is European Programmes Manager at The Wheel where she oversees the delivery of Access Europe, a support and capacity building programme for the community and voluntary sector around accessing and managing EU funding. This involves researching EU funding opportunities that are relevant to the sector and The Wheel’s members, coordinating and delivering training and events related to EU funding, and assisting organisations in building relationships with potential EU project partners.
Mark Guerin is the Support and Development Officer for EPALE in Ireland. Mark has been the EPALE Ireland Coordinator since June 2023 and having previously worked in the Tourism, Culture and Heritage sector. As a traditional Irish Storyteller, Mark has worked alongside colleagues from across Europe as a member of FEST (Federation of European Storytellers). With a BA in Fine Art, Mark has a strong interest in creative engagement, experience design and immersive learning.
Jemma Lee is the Senior Support and Development Officer for Adult Education in Léargas. Her role is to support organisations to grow and develop through Erasmus+ projects and funding. Jemma supports organisations at all stages from initial idea, through to grant application, project implementation and reporting. Jemma's background is working in the community and youth work sector and she has a special interest in supporting grassroots organisations to access the Erasmus+ programme.
