Study Visit in Portugal: Learning from Inclusive Adult Education Practices
As part of the Quality+ Enhancing Inclusive Quality Practices in Adult Education Erasmus+ project, our partners gathered in Portugal for a study visit dedicated to exploring innovative approaches to inclusive adult education, vocational training, and quality assurance.
Hosted by Portuguese partner institutions, the visit offered participants the opportunity to experience a wide range of educational environments where inclusion, practical learning, and community engagement are at the heart of adult education.
Throughout the programme, participants visited several organisations specialising in vocational education and training, social inclusion, creative industries, and lifelong learning. The study visit highlighted how hands-on learning, collaboration with local communities, and learner-centred methodologies can contribute to creating more accessible and effective educational opportunities for diverse groups of adult learners.
One of the key themes of the visit was the connection between education, craftsmanship, and employability. Participants explored training environments focused on textile production, woodworking, and traditional crafts, observing how practical skills are combined with innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship to support learners in developing meaningful career opportunities. These examples demonstrated the value of experiential learning and the importance of preserving local heritage while responding to contemporary labour market needs. Portugal has a strong tradition of vocational education linked to the textile and manufacturing sectors, where practical training plays an important role in developing employability skills.
The programme also included visits to institutions promoting inclusive educational practices, where participants exchanged experiences on learner support services, quality management, and innovative teaching methodologies. These discussions provided valuable insights into creating learning environments that respond to the needs of adults with diverse backgrounds, including those facing social, educational, or economic barriers.
Beyond institutional visits, the study visit encouraged meaningful dialogue among project partners. By sharing national experiences, discussing common challenges, and identifying successful practices, participants strengthened their collaboration and gathered ideas that will contribute to the development of the Quality+ project’s future resources and quality framework.
The Portuguese study visit reinforced one of the project’s central objectives: improving the quality and inclusiveness of adult education through international cooperation, mutual learning, and the exchange of proven practices across Europe.
As the Quality+ partnership continues its journey, the knowledge and inspiration gained in Portugal will support the creation of practical tools and recommendations that empower adult education providers to build more inclusive, learner-centred, and high-quality learning environments for everyone.
Quality+ – Enhancing Inclusive Quality Practices in Adult Education is a European Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnership that brings together organisations committed to improving quality assurance and inclusive practices in adult education through international cooperation, research, training, and the exchange of good practices.