Study visit: ‘Effective Approaches to Building Basic Skills for Vulnerable Adults’ 

The ESF+ Community of Practice on Employment, Education and Skills is organising a study visit, “Effective Approaches to Building Basic Skills for Vulnerable Adults,” taking place on 16–17 June 2026 in Portlaoise, Ireland.

The study visit will bring together ESF+ stakeholders to explore innovative learning formats, pedagogical approaches, and strategies that can enhance participation and success in adult basic skills provision. Together, participants will identify transferable practices and discuss the conditions needed to scale up successful approaches within ESF+ programmes and national systems.

Ireland has a long-standing commitment to adult literacy, recently reinforced by the Adult Literacy for Life National Framework Strategy, a 10-year strategy based on a whole-of-society approach that recognises literacy as foundational for equality, participation, and access to opportunities across all domains of life.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to take part in the programme’s annual community conference, “Adult Literacy for Life: Our Story So Far – June Showcase,” organised by SOLAS, and engage directly with representatives of over 30 projects from around Ireland covering a diverse range of literacy contexts and stakeholders through workshops and a world café.

What will participants gain? 

• insights into the policy framework, governance and funding of adult literacy provision in Ireland; 
• inspiration and peer exchange on innovative and effective practices in basic skills provision for vulnerable adults; 
• concrete ideas for strengthening the design, delivery and support structures of basic skills programmes; 
• opportunities for networking and collaboration with peers and stakeholders from across Europe.