elected 2008
re-elected 2011
Please describe your current position and scope of responsibilities regarding EAEA and related issues with your organization
I have since January 2007 been chairman of DAEA, and in that position I have the responsibility for providing the necessary leadership for the Danish non-formal adult education. This concerns several aspects such as;
- providing new ideas for developing the non-formal adult education sector across and in cooperation with a variety of adult education organizations.
- initiating and supporting cooperation between adult education organizations.
- developing and implementing strategies for the future development of the Danish non-formal adult education sector.
- establishing international contacts and cross-border cooperation.
- participating and representing DAEA in international relations and organizations.
- participating in political lobbying (both politicians and civil servants).
- securing a well functioning board and secretariat.
Under my leadership we have succeeded in making a reorientation of DAEA towards a more politically oriented organization and an organization with a stronger focus on the benefits of networks. DAEA is now also a stronger administrative and coordinating organization.
Besides being chairman of DAEA I have since 2002 been Secretary General of LOF (Liberalt Oplysnings Forbund). Many of my tasks and responsibilities are similar to my work for DAEA. As the head of the LOF secretariat my tasks are related to the organizational level while the work for DAEA is related to the national level.
Based on your experience in your organization what kind of lobbying in the field of LLL can you bring to EAEA?
I have with enthusiasm been working in the field of Educational Policy for many years and on different levels of which the past 6 years has been as a top level player, and it is my experience that lobbying demands focus, preparation and time. The process of lobbying is time-consuming as it requires the establishment of personal contacts with politicians and civil servants, it also requires that one engages himself in the right networks, but it is my experience that it is worthwhile. In my mind it is without a doubt a great advantage to have strong social competences.
In DAEA we have hands on experience lobbying for better institutional frameworks as well as legislation. Lobbying for the non-formal adult education organizations to be a significant partner and player in the field of Life Long Learning has also been a task that we in DAEA have given a high priority.
What are your motivations as a candidate? What would you like to contribute to the association as a Board member?
The EU plays an increasing role in the area of Educational Policy and Life Long Learning (LLL), and it is therefore becoming of increased importance that the organizations engaged in adult education make their voices heard and gain influence on the policies that are being formulated. It is becoming more and more obvious that the formulation of LLL-policies in the EU is reflecting back on the national contexts and the national formulation of policy. We, as a sector, need to be aware of this dual process of policy formulation and take proactive action. Therefore it is my clear aim to contribute to an increased focus on political lobbying in the EU and the European organizations. Through EAEA we shall with great enthusiasm make our opinions known to EU policymakers at different levels. It is a matter of great importance to me that we put a stronger focus on creating and securing strong networks between the EAEA member organizations. It is my experience, and indeed a positive one, that networks have a positive effect on coordination and development, creating and securing networks will without a doubt benefit both EAEA and the member organizations.
As I find it of utmost importance to have an increased focus on securing the financial resources for EAEA, I will make a strong effort in contributing in this area as well.
Based on my experience and my administrative competences I am confident that I can contribute by having a clear focus on the administrative organization of the EAEA. The administrative organization has to match the tasks of today, of tomorrow and the future, and I can and will contribute to an ongoing process of modernization of the organization.
Please note below any other information that you would like to share?
I am greatly interested in learning more about traditions and approaches in other countries represented in the EAEA. At the same time I feel obligated to contribute to EAEA and the member organizations with the tradition of the Danish non-formal adult education as well as the broad Nordic approach to Life Long Learning with its focus on cross-sector cooperation.
DAEA was founded in 1941. The Danish Adult Education Association is an umbrella organization for non-formal adult education in Denmark. It represents 33 member organizations among them the adult education associations, the folk high schools, non-residential folk high schools, production schools, university extension and other associations. See more on www.daea.dk. The object of the Danish Adult Education Association is to ensure the best possible conditions for adult education associations and the member organizations in order for their users to get the best experience possible when participating in adult education activities.
Possible contribution to EAEA:
As a candidate to the EAEA Board Per Paludan Hansen
is interested in using his experiences from working in a political and lobbying organization, such as DAEA. It is Pers aim to strengthen EAEA in the following areas:
- It is important to put an increased focus on political lobbying in the EU and the European organizations as it is becoming increasingly important to make our opinions on Life Long Learning / non-formal adult education known to EU policymakers at different levels.
- It is important to put a stronger focus on creating and securing strong networks between the EAEA member organizations. Networks will have a positive effect on coordination and development, which will benefit both EAEA and the member organizations.
- It is important to have an increased focus on securing the financial resources for EAEA.
- It is important to have a clear focus on the administrative organization of the EAEA. The administrative organization has to fit the tasks of today, of tomorrow and the future. An ongoing process of modernization of the organization shall include both members of the board and the EAEA staff.
