Last week we, Adeleine, Hanna and Helene, gathered at Elzenhof Elsene in Brussels, together with a great group of women from all over Europe, to take part in the Erasmus+ programme “Creating and maintaining safe spaces in adult education”. Throughout the week, we explored the complex concept of safe spaces and how this affects adult education.
A global learning experience
Participants came from Latvia, Portugal, Germany, Norway and Ireland. We had the opportunity to exchange experiences and learn from different adult education practices from each country. Together with Angeliki Giannakopoulou, project coordinator at EAEA, we discussed the theory and practice of safe spaces and how it relates to issues of oppression, privilege and conflict in the learning environment and society. From the pedagogy of the oppressed to breaking barriers, the decolonisation of knowledge and creating our own ‘counter’ public spaces, we worked together to create our own social contracts.
Pedagogy and spatial perspectives
Maja Maksimović, Assistant Professor at the University of Belgrade, gave us a solid understanding of how different approaches in public pedagogy can be designed. Through discussions, we explored themes from critical social theory, human geography and challenging a human-centred worldview. Images, sounds, stories and experiences brought life to the spaces we explored and created in the city.
A decolonising journey
We participated in a decolonising walk around Brussels led by Awa-Alice Ba from KUUMBA VLAAMS-AFRIKAANS HUIS. She gave us insight into how colonialism influences today’s perspectives and even shapes our fashion and taste. This experience helped expand our understanding of how history continues to influence us.
Socio-cultural community in Mona
We also visited Mona, a socio-cultural and activist space for all, where we met Tine Declerck, a coordinator from Toestand vzw. She guided us through the former monastery, which is now a place for exploration, creativity and collaboration. Here you can participate in activities, or propose your own projects if you need a place in the city. This brings life to spaces that would otherwise be empty.
When learning organisations from all over Europe get together and exchange experiences, the breaks are just as exciting as the sessions. I think everyone went home with new inspiration that will benefit vocational training.
Hanna
Conclusion
This week in Brussels was an inspiring experience where together we learnt, explored and created new spaces for safe and inclusive learning environments. Through the Erasmus+ programme, we gained insight into how we can build bridges between theory and practice, and how we can co-create social contracts for a more inclusive future.
Greetings Adeleine, Hanna and Helene
