CFPs: Competition Capital of Adult Learning and Education (Ukraine)

Deadline: 30-Sep-26

The Capital of Adult Learning and Education recognizes Ukrainian communities that demonstrate strong leadership and innovative approaches to adult education, civic education, professional retraining, and lifelong learning. The winning community receives the title Capital of Adult Learning and Education, while its representatives can participate in an international internship and develop partnerships with organizations abroad.

About the Capital of Adult Learning and Education

The Capital of Adult Learning and Education is a community-focused contest organized by the Ukrainian Association of Adult Education in partnership with DVV International Ukraine. The initiative aims to identify and promote successful approaches to adult learning being implemented by Ukrainian communities. It also seeks to increase public awareness of the importance of lifelong learning and encourage communities to make adult education an important part of local development. The contest provides an opportunity for communities to demonstrate how they are developing adult education systems, engaging education providers, and creating opportunities for adults to acquire new knowledge and skills. What Does the Contest Recognize? The initiative focuses on communities that have demonstrated meaningful achievements in adult education and lifelong learning.

Particular attention is given to initiatives involving

Civic education. Professional retraining. Personal development. Lifelong learning. Adult skills development. Community education. Local adult education policies. Cooperation between formal and informal education providers. The strongest applications should demonstrate not only individual educational activities but also a broader commitment to making adult education part of community development.

Objectives of the Initiative

The Capital of Adult Learning and Education has several interconnected objectives.

These include:

Promoting successful adult education practices. Raising public awareness of lifelong learning. Encouraging communities to prioritize adult education. Supporting exchange of experience between adult education providers. Strengthening local adult education policies. Encouraging cooperation between formal and informal education providers. Involving civil society in adult learning initiatives. Promoting thematic events that increase interest in lifelong learning. Creating opportunities for Ukrainian communities to build international partnerships. Who Is Eligible? The contest is open to eligible Ukrainian communities, subject to the geographic and population requirements.

Eligible applicants include:

Ukrainian communities with a population of at least 5,000 people. Administrative districts of cities with populations exceeding 1 million people. Communities located in temporarily occupied territories are excluded from eligibility. Applicants should demonstrate that adult education is a meaningful part of their local development agenda. What Makes a Strong Community? The contest is particularly interested in communities that can demonstrate both commitment and capacity to create meaningful change.

Important characteristics include:

Strong interest in improving adult education policy. Evidence that adult learning is prioritized locally. Active development of adult education opportunities.

Participation of different adult education providers

Cooperation between formal and informal learning organizations. Capacity to continue developing adult education beyond individual projects. Key Selection Criteria Applications are assessed according to the community’s ability to demonstrate meaningful progress in adult learning.

Key considerations include:

Commitment to Adult Education The community should demonstrate a clear commitment to developing adult education and lifelong learning. Capacity to Influence Policy Applicants should show that they have the interest and ability to contribute to meaningful improvements in local adult education policy. Local Prioritization Adult education should be treated as an important component of the community’s development strategy rather than as an isolated activity. Stakeholder Engagement Strong applications should demonstrate participation from: Adult education providers. Community organizations. Civil society groups. Local institutions. Formal education providers. Informal education providers. Other relevant community stakeholders. Why It Matters Adult education can help communities respond to changing economic, social, and civic needs. Professional retraining can help adults adapt to changing labour markets, while civic education can strengthen community participation and awareness. Lifelong learning can also support personal development and help communities create more inclusive opportunities for adults. The Capital of Adult Learning and Education therefore recognizes communities that treat adult learning as a long-term community development priority. What Can Communities Showcase? Communities should highlight concrete achievements and initiatives demonstrating their approach to adult learning.

Relevant examples may include:

Adult education centres or networks. Professional retraining programmes. Civic education initiatives. Skills-development programmes. Personal development activities. Community learning events. Cooperation between universities, training providers, NGOs, and community organizations. Local strategies supporting lifelong learning. Initiatives connecting formal and informal education. Activities involving civil society in adult education. The focus should be on the community’s overall approach, achievements, partnerships, and potential for continued development. How the Selection Process Works Communities should present evidence showing their commitment to adult education and their ability to influence local development.

A strong submission should:

Describe the community and its approach to adult learning. Explain existing adult education init