What is GRUNDTVIG?

The purpose of this action of  Socrates is to enhance adult education provision by means of European co-operation. To this end the action supports the following four types of activities:

Grundtvig 1 - Transnational cooperation projects
Grundtvig 2 - Learning partnerships
Grundtvig 3 - Mobility for training of educational staff
Grundtvig 4 - Networks

A policy of lifelong learning

The Grundtvig action is part of the European Commission's aim of promoting a  policy of lifelong learning, at  European level as well as in each of the participating countries. The action builds on the previous Adult Education action (1995-99) but is larger in scope. It encompasses all levels and sectors of adult learning (general, cultural and social). In addition to learning that takes place within the formal or non-formal system, it also encompasses learning that takes place on a more informal basis, such as autonomous learning.

The Grundtvig action addresses a great variety of subject areas and educational providers. It complements and interacts with other actions within Socrates and with other programmes, such as  Leonardo da Vinci , to cover the whole spectrum of lifelong learning.

Aims : The operational aims of the Action may be summarised as follows:

•  Promoting the development of concrete products and valid results which will be of use in several participating countries (if possible, throughout Europe)

•  Promoting European co-operation between bodies providing adult education

•  Contributing to improving the quality of teacher training relating to persons involved in the teaching of adults

•  Furthering the debate on lifelong learning and contributing to the dissemination of good practice.

Grundtvig 1 - Transnational cooperation projects

A Transnational co-operation project may be defined as a project where institutions/ organisations from different European countries work together, pooling knowledge and experience, in order to achieve concrete and innovative results/products with indisputable European value, such as piloting experiences in strategic areas or high-level teaching products. At the same time, the activities aim to advance the development of a European dimension in the field of adult education.

A number of key areas are considered central for the development of adult learning at European level. Transnational co-operation projects should focus on one or more of these themes .

During the period 1995-1999, 185 projects   were financed by the Adult Education action. This includes the 1999 selection, where 78 projects were granted funding. Projects have an average duration of 2 years.

Grundtvig 2 - Learning partnerships

The Grundtvig learning partnership is a framework for small-scale co-operation activities between organisations working in the field of adult learning.

Compared to the transnational co-operation projects, which are product-oriented, the learning partnerships focus more on process, and aim to broaden the participation of smaller organisations that want to include European co-operation in their education activities.

For more information on how to get started in a European partnership or if you are already involved in one, consult the Grundtvig Learning Partnerships Navigator - Your Guide to European Cooperation in Adult Learning.

Grundtvig 3 - Mobility for training of educational staff

Under this action, the Commission provides grants to enable educational staff working with adults to undertake training activities taking place in a country other than the one in which the participant normally works, thereby broadening their understanding of lifelong learning in Europe and improving their practical teaching / management / counselling or other adult learning-related skills.

How to identify Grundtvig 3 training offers ?

Information on training activities available for Grundtvig 3 applicants can be found at the following address:

•  Database on training course for school and adult education staff

Please note that the training activities available at the above-mentioned addresses are provided in order to help potential applicants in their search for suitable courses. They are however at liberty to apply for other eligible training activities not included in these lists, including less formal types of training such as job-shadowing and observation periods in adult education organisations elsewhere in Europe.

Additional information on courses and eligibility rules for Grundtvig 3 grants is available from your National Agency .

For those interested in organising a Grundtvig 3 course, you can find ideas in the G3 Handbook and Annexes .

Grundtvig 4 - Networks

The aim of Grundtvig Networks is to strengthen the links between the various actors involved in adult learning, to enable them to co-operate on a more stable basis and to enhance their awareness of the European dimension of education.

•  Thematic networks - aim to provide a forum for discussion on key issues, policy shaping and/or research in the area of adult learning.

•  Project networks - aim to provide a basis for continuing contacts between institutions which have participated in projects, and as such contribute to the further dissemination of project results. Other relevant actors can also take part in the network.