Spring meeting of the centres for lifelong learning held in Húsavík

The annual spring meeting for the directors and heads of adult education centres in Iceland was held on 5–6 May. This time, the meeting was held in Húsavík, where staff from the Þekkingarnet Þingeyinga centre in Húsavík welcomed us and managed a varied programme. Representatives from all centres across the country attended the meeting. Kristín Erla Þráinsdóttir, Head of Counselling and Recognition of Prior Learning, attended the meeting on behalf of Mímis, and Sólveig Hildur Björnsdóttir, Managing Director of Mímis, participated via a remote meeting.

The meeting discussed the key role of adult education centres as a backbone in adult education and an important part of the social infrastructure. Particular attention was paid to the role of adult education centres in Icelandic language teaching, the integration of immigrants and participation in the labour market, in the context of the government's employment policy. The importance of ensuring good access to careers and study guidance, and to recognition of prior learning, was also discussed. Emphasis was placed on the role of the centres in social participation and the inclusion of all.

After the meeting, the participants took the opportunity to attend an open meeting with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Culture, Innovation and University Affairs. Among the topics of discussion at that meeting were the role of adult education centres in Icelandic language teaching, the integration of immigrants and labour market participation in relation to the government's employment policy.