Association Aries is launching its new project, “Growing Europe: Advancing Digital, Civic, and Social Competences for Democratic and Inclusive Societies,” funded under the Erasmus+ Programme, Key Action 1 – Short-term projects for the mobility of learners and staff in adult education.
As part of the project, a group of adult learners will take part in a learning mobility in Alicante, Spain, from 3 to 10 October 2026. The activities will be hosted by Asociación Europea Equalis, with whom Association Aries is developing a partnership based on a shared commitment to inclusion, active citizenship and accessible non-formal education.
Why is this project necessary?
Many adults continue to face social, economic and educational barriers that limit their access to learning, employment, public services and active participation in their communities. Some of the main challenges include low digital literacy, limited confidence when interacting with institutions, insufficient knowledge of democratic processes and a lack of sustainable opportunities to apply newly acquired skills in practice.
Digital exclusion is no longer only a question of technical ability. An increasing number of public services, educational opportunities and forms of civic participation are available primarily online. People who experience difficulties using digital tools or recognising false and misleading information face a greater risk of social isolation, exclusion and manipulation.
The project is also necessary because participation in a single training activity does not always lead to lasting change. For this reason, “Growing Europe” will focus not only on acquiring knowledge, but also on applying it in practice. Participants will be encouraged to move from being passive recipients of support to becoming creators of ideas, initiators of local activities and future peer mentors.
Main project topics
During the mobility, participants will work on several interconnected topics that respond to real needs in contemporary European societies.
Digital literacy and media resilience
Participants will develop skills in using digital tools for communication, teamwork, content creation and the presentation of ideas. Particular attention will be given to identifying disinformation, checking sources and critically assessing online content.
Active citizenship and democratic participation
The project will help participants better understand their civic rights, European values and opportunities to become involved in public and community life. Through practical activities, they will analyse local challenges and develop ideas for solutions that could be implemented in their communities.
European identity and values
The mobility will create opportunities for intercultural exchange and a deeper understanding of equality, human dignity, democracy, solidarity and respect for diversity. The European dimension will be explored through practical situations, discussion and collaborative work rather than only through theory.
Social and professional competences
Working in an international environment will support the development of communication, teamwork, independence, adaptability and confidence in presenting ideas. These competences are important both for personal development and for improving participants’ employability and participation in society.
Inclusion and equal access to education
The project is designed for adult learners with fewer opportunities. Accessible methods, practical exercises, visual materials, small-group work and a supportive learning environment will be used so that each participant can take part according to their individual needs.
Sustainability and responsible behaviour
The programme will also include topics related to environmentally responsible behaviour and sustainable practices. Participants will explore the connection between individual choices, collective responsibility and the future of local communities.
From participants to creators of change
One of the main aims of the project is for participants to develop their own ideas for small community initiatives. During the practical learning process, they will identify a local problem, propose a possible solution, use digital tools and prepare a short project concept including planned activities, a basic timeline and expected results.
After returning to Bulgaria, participants will share what they have learned with other adult learners through follow-up meetings and local activities. In this way, the results of the mobility will not remain limited to the people who travel, but will become part of the longer-term educational work of Association Aries.
The project aims to build a sustainable model in which international learning experience is transformed into practical local action and new opportunities for participation and learning.
Partnership with Asociación Europea Equalis
We are pleased that the mobility will be implemented in partnership with Asociación Europea Equalis in Alicante. The organisation shares our commitment to equality, social inclusion, democratic participation and support for people with fewer opportunities.
We look forward to working together to create a safe, inspiring and practically oriented learning environment in which participants can develop new skills, exchange experiences, build confidence and create ideas for positive change.
Learn. Connect. Empower. Grow.
Funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author or authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Project number: 2026-1-BG01-KA122-ADU-000418580
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