The ALE festivals held in May 2024 in Senaki, Kaspi, and Akhaltsikhe targeted a wide audience, including local residents of all ages and backgrounds, with a special focus on promoting adult learning opportunities. Participants included representatives of DVV International centers, vocational colleges, CSOs, municipal authorities, youth, and general community members. A total of approximately 350 individuals were formally registered across the three events, but actual attendance was significantly higher due to large, open public participation.
The festivals aimed to promote the idea of lifelong learning, raise public awareness of adult education opportunities, and showcase the contribution of ALE centers to local development. Each city was chosen for its commitment to adult education: in 2023, Senaki, Kaspi, and Akhaltsikhe were finalists in the national competition to join the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities, with Senaki officially becoming a member in 2024.
Key learning and engagement activities included:
Public lectures on lifelong learning, ethnic and religious diversity, and mental health
Masterclasses in vocational skills such as felt-making and arts
Poster exhibitions and competitions themed around lifelong learning
Recognition of outstanding ALE beneficiaries
Exhibitions by education organizations
Sports competitions and concerts
Public engagement through collective art activities and prize ceremonies
Film demonstrations
The 2024 ALE festivals in Senaki, Kaspi, and Akhaltsikhe raised awareness of the value of lifelong learning and adult education. By hosting the festivals in cities recognized for their commitment to ALE, the events provided motivation for continued development of local ALE strategies.
The diversity of participants and activities encouraged inclusion, learning, and community celebration. In particular, the recognition of Senaki as a UNESCO Learning City added symbolic and practical value, reinforcing the importance of continued collaboration between local authorities and ALE centers.