The Erasmus+ Strategic Partnerships project “Teaching English to Elderly” (T.E.T.E.), implemented in 2004, was coordinated by the Latvian non-governmental organisation Vecmaminas.lv, with the Panevėžys County Gabrielė Petkevičaitė-Bitė Public Library participating as a project partner. The project provided an opportunity for international partners to share good practices and learn from one another, thereby promoting adult education across Europe.
Implementation
Adult learners from Latvia and Lithuania took part in the project and, through participation in English language classes, tested effective English language learning methods proposed by the project partners. The final project conference was held in Panevėžys, where participants’ progress was evaluated. As a final project outcome, the Lithuanian partner’s project working group prepared an electronic publication entitled “Teaching English to Adults”, which reviews the situation of non-formal adult language learning in Lithuania and Latvia, presents the activities of the T.E.T.E project, provides feedback from adult educators and learners, and describes the most effective English language learning methods proposed by both project partners and practically tested by the project participants.
Recognition
The T.E.T.E project was awarded the European Language Label by the European Commission in the Active Citizenship category. The European Language Label is awarded for creativity and innovation in the field of language teaching and learning. Since 1998, this award has been granted to formal and non-formal education organisations – from early childhood education to lifelong learning – across Europe and Erasmus+ partner countries, with the aim of making language learning more effective, inclusive, and attractive.
The award ceremony took place on 9 December in Brussels. The European Language Label award and diploma were received by Diana Svika, a representative of the project coordinator.
Project impact on participants’ competence development
The activities of the T.E.T.E project became a meaningful and inspiring experience for members of the “Let’s Talk” English conversation club at the Panevėžys County Gabrielė Petkevičaitė-Bitė Public Library. During the sessions, participants not only tested innovative and effective English language learning methods proposed by the project coordinator, but also confidently developed their language skills, expanded their vocabulary, and learned the art of storytelling. Live communication with Latvian colleagues opened up new cultural experiences, strengthened intercultural dialogue, and allowed participants to rediscover the importance and effectiveness of learning within a community. Recognition of the project’s significance and innovative character has become an incentive to continue developing language competences and to engage even more boldly in international cooperation – a space where creative ideas emerge, connections grow stronger, and communities thrive.
Photo by the event organizers
Virginija Švedienė
Coordinator of Adult Education Activities
