From the airbases of West Germany to the streets of Bhopal…meet Paul Baron MBE
Posted: March 28, 2012 Filed under: Leonardo, Mobility, Transfer of Innovation | Tags: Ambassador Richard Stagg, Bhagavat Educational Trust, Black Sea, candle making, carpentry, charities, crafts, Disadvantaged groups, Entrepreneurship, mobility, Mobility Certificate, Mutual Assistance, New Year Honours List 2012, painting, Paul Baron MBE, Prince's Trust, Shell, Transfer of Innovation, Uganda, Ugandan Church, UNICEF 1 Comment
Paul Baron receives his MBE
A few weeks ago I heard through a colleague that Paul Baron, one of our Leonardo Mobility Certificate Holders, had been included in the New Year Honours List 2012 for his services to vulnerable children around the world. I was really pleased because I’m familiar with Paul’s projects and have been impressed by their impact, particularly on the young people involved.
So last week I rang him to find out more. The conversation started well, and Paul was very enthusiastic to share his experiences.
However, very quickly it became clear that the interview wasn’t going to work in the way I had anticipated. For every question I put to him, Paul had the most incredible, gripping tale to tell. Anecdotes, inspiring stories, adventures… I physically wasn’t able to get it all down on paper. So I put my pen down and listened. We chatted for over half an hour and at the end of the call I had to ask: “Paul, please could you send me some more information on this?” (Which he kindly did).
So get a cup of tea, divert all calls and read on – Paul has had an eventful life.
A Very Successful 2011!
Posted: March 22, 2012 Filed under: Grundtvig, Leonardo, Transversal | Tags: 2011, annual report, Ecorys, grundtvig, leonardo, Lifelong Learning Programme, transversal 2 CommentsWe recently finalised our Annual Report for 2011 which sets out everything that we have achieved over the past year. We’re really proud of the work we do here at Ecorys because running the National Agency is all about supporting great projects and activities in the best possible way. Interviewing candidates for Rob’s communications post recently made us realise what a great motivator it is to be investing your time and energy in something that contributes positively to society and can make a meaningful difference to people and organisations. We find all your work really inspiring and our aim is to work with you in the most encouraging and effective way we can.
How to summarise 2011?
I think it’s fair to say that the main conclusion we can draw is that the programmes just keep growing! Read the rest of this entry »
Enhance your CPD with European funding
Posted: March 21, 2012 Filed under: Thematic Networking | Tags: Adult Learning, CPD, Ecorys, education, EQF, Further Education, In Focus briefing papers, Lifelong Learning Programme, Study Visit, study visits catalogue, thematic networking, transversal Leave a commentAt the last Thematic Networking Event in Belfast, Thematic Networking Group (TNG) 2 discussed the findings of the Briefing Paper exploring how the LLP supports Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in the Further Education (FE) sector. TNG 2 members, including the chair of the group, Faye Hindle-Lewis, and myself did not expect to learn that every year the Leonardo, Grundtvig and Transversal programmes fund around three years of CPD time for FE staff across the UK! Read the rest of this entry »
Erasmus for All: The European Commission’s proposal for the next generation of programmes
Posted: March 20, 2012 Filed under: Erasmus+ | Tags: Ecorys, Erasmus+, Europe, Europe 2020, european commission, grundtvig, leonardo, Lifelong Learning Programme, llp, llpukecorys, transversal 2 CommentsAt the end of 2013 some significant changes will take place to current European funding programmes. The current Lifelong Learning Programme will come to an end and will be replaced by a new generation of programmes.
In November 2011 the European Commission published their proposal for a new programme ‘Erasmus for All’. The proposal sets out the Commission’s views on how to create a stronger and more efficient programme for the future, building on the successes of the Lifelong Learning Programme. Read the rest of this entry »
Launch of the renewed European Agenda for Adult Learning
Posted: March 16, 2012 Filed under: Grundtvig | Tags: Adult Learning, Ecorys, Europe, Europe 2020, European Agenda, european commission, grundtvig, llpukecorys 1 CommentOn the 28 February I attended the launch conference for the Commission’s renewed European Agenda for Adult Learning, in Brussels, which focuses on providing second-chance opportunities for low qualified adults to strengthen their basic skills, such as literacy, numeracy and digital knowledge.
Strategies for improving participation and awareness of adult learning
The event was opened by Androulla Vassiliou, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, and brought together a range of stakeholders and Member States to explore strategies for improving participation and awareness of adult learning. Read the rest of this entry »
Win a European Language Label. Apply before 30 March!
Posted: March 7, 2012 Filed under: Transversal | Tags: CILT, competition, Europe, languages, Lifelong Learning Programme, llpukecorys, prizes, transversal Leave a comment
The European Language Label is run by CILT, the National Centre for Languages, on behalf of Ecorys.
Each year there is an opportunity to apply for a European Language Label award and win a range of prizes including £2000.
The awards recognise projects that teach languages in new and creative ways and are an inspiration to the participants involved.
Find out about past winners: http://www.cilt.org.uk/home/valuing_languages/european_language_label/winning_projects
How do I apply?
The deadline has been extended to the 30 March 2012 so time is running out to submit your entry!
You can apply online via the online application form as well as finding useful hints and tips and more about the judging criteria: goo.gl/tJ5w0
For further information on the sponsors as well as the prizes visit: goo.gl/GYbmR
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