Ireland

We were a motley crew who met very early at the airport on the 5th October. We did not know each other at all - other than over the telephone or email.
 
We travelled to Copenhagen and then care of Estonia Airlines onto Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. The city had a look of Eastern Europe, with large grey square buildings. This changed completely when we arrived at our hotel, situated in the beautiful old medieval city. In the lobby we met one of the Turkish delegation, Ibrahim. When introduced to John Wynn he said "hello John Wayne, that's easy to remember". Needless to say John became "John Wayne" for the rest of the trip.
 
Day 1: Thursday 6th October
 
After breakfast, we walked, with all the other delegations to our first workshop. This was held in the Tallinna Vanalinna Upper Secondary School for Adults. The theme of the workshop was "Involving outstanding learners in learning promotion". We were put at different tables and we worked with members from the other delegations. Practically all could speak English.
 
The outcomes/ideas were written mostly as bullet points on large sheets of paper. Each group nominated a speaker to present their work. They all had very interesting ideas. The last speakers had used a translation software programme to make his presentation while another one drew cartoons to make his point. It had a dramatic effect ---- cartoons used for Adult Education. It was fantastic. We were given a tour of the school by the school principal. Her pride in the history of the old building was palpable.
 
After lunch we were taken to see and take a ride on the "Learning Tram". A new experience for all of us. The windows were covered in posters and advertisements for adult education courses and contact information. Teenagers handed out sweets and pens to people as they got on the tram. Playing on the sound system were learners telling their stories of returning to education and the positive effect it had on their lives. There was even a blank poster for you to fill in the name of your favourite book. Lots of titles were on it. Cyril, our Slovenian animator, drew cartoons depicting the "singing revolution" of which I knew nothing about. He told me that the revolution in Estonia against the Russians was known as the "singing revolution". Thousands of people had gathered in towns and cities and sung songs for their freedom.
 
Day 2: Friday October 7th
 
After breakfast, we were taken by bus to Rapla approx 40 km from Tallinn. We attended the National Opening Ceremony of the Estonian Adult Learners' Week at Rapla Vesiroosi Upper Secondary School. A Government Minister spoke, as well as other dignitaries. A 2012 calendar was launched celebrating Adult Learners. An outstanding Learner from each county had been selected. Their picture and story of returning to education was used for a month of the year, with the overall Learner of the Year on the cover of the calendar. After each speaker there was music, the school choir, the school band, solo singer even the M.C. sang. I could see how important music and song is in Estonia. The music brought joy to the celebrations. It also helped all our delegations, as it broke up the ceremony. We could also enjoy the celebrations through the music and song.
 
We then visited the Central Library of Rapla County and the Rapla Upper Secondary School for Adults. We received information from the Head Librarian and Head Teacher about the running of both.
 
Then onto the Kohila Training Centre at Tohisoo Manor. This is a converted Manor house, which is now dedicated to the education of adults. We toured the building. There were rooms full of rows of desks with sewing machines, another with weaving equipment, rug making equipment, woodworking, and ceramic pottery. These are all crafts and skills that the local people have asked to be taught at the school. The classes are all very well attended. They even run summer schools for adults from all over Europe. When we were about to leave an adult choir arrived who were performing at the Manor that night. They were kind enough to sing a couple of songs for us. Again music and song to celebrate our visit!
 
At dinner, that night, songs were sung and the Turkish lads had everyone up dancing and singing. I found it amazing watching all these different cultures mix and laugh all through dancing, music and song - even though no one understood the words. We stayed in lodges in the countryside.
 
Day 3: Saturday October 8th
 
After breakfast we visited a Craft fair in Rapla. More singing on the bus back to Tallinn. . In the afternoon, we attended the Adult Education Awards Ceremony of Tallinn and Harju County at the, majestic, Tallinn Town Hall. The M.C.s were both teenagers. The awards were handed out. In between the awards, the Estonian Children's National Choir sang the most haunting and beautiful songs. (Their singing could bring a tear to a glass eye!)
The recipients of the awards were all adults, some very senior in age. A lovely reception was held after the ceremony with drinks and food. There was so much joy in the room with family members being so proud of their parents and even grandparents achievements.

The final get together of all the delegates was dinner that night. Yet more singing and dancing. Cyril, our animator, insisted that he would sing the final song - especially for the Irish delegation. He gave a wonderful rendition of the "Parting Glass".
 
In conclusion:
 
The meeting was called "Sowing the Learning Seeds". Did it succeed? In my opinion: a definite yes. For the following reasons:

1. It showed me how other cultures involve their adult learners.
2. In Estonia they include all ages in their Adult Learners ceremonies. This is life long learning in practice. The young school children, teenagers, adults and seniors are all part of the ceremonies.
3. The children can witness their elder's education achievement and realise that learning does not have to end when you leave school or college.
4. Awarding nominated individual adult learners annually. This could be considered as part of the Star Awards.
5. The important role music, song and dance can play in ceremonies.
6. Animation can communicate to all ages not only small children.
7. Adult Education can be "advertised" and "celebrated" anywhere i.e. trams, buses, trains, planes and automobiles.
8. Classes for the old skills like knitting, sewing, weaving, pottery etc could be very successful - even from a tourist point of view offering week long summer schools.

There is a saying "Travels broadens the Mind" this is true of my time in Estonia. I will always treasure and be grateful for, the memories, people and places from this trip.
 
Una Buckley, adult learner and member of AONTAS steering committee for the Adult Learners Forum of Ireland (ALFI)