GINCO - Grundtvig International Network of Course Organisers

GINCO: Professional development of all staff in adult education is seen to be a decisive factor in the quality of adult education. The European Grundtvig programme supports international mobility activities for in-service training for adult educators and the development of international training courses that meet LifeLong Learning Programme (LLP) priorities. These actions are set up in support to improving access to a rich and varied provision of adult education training with a European scope. Grundtvig international course offer Grundtvig grant system to attend international courses
International courses are provided Europe wide by European partnerships in a Grundtvig project/network context or by individual adult education organisations. Adult education staff can apply for a Grundtvig grant to attend one of these courses abroad. This grant system is run by the National Agencies in all LLP countries.

The need for a network
The geographical and cultural span, the variety in the sector and the size of the programme make it difficult to administer and match offer and demand. The courses could be improved
e.g. in terms of their quality, the link with LifeLong Learning and national policies, the appropriate use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), recognition and validation of learning outcomes, thematic gaps in course provision. Grant allocation procedures and communication between all stakeholders is also an area with room for improvement.
A network of (potential) Grundtvig course organisers
In the light of these needs and opportunities the Landcommanderij Alden Biesen and its partners applied for funding to start a Grundtvig network called GINCO: Grundtvig International Network of Course Organisers. GINCO wants to network actual and potential Grundtvig course organisers, not only offering a forum for cooperation and exchange of expertise but also offering support for development, promotion of access, delivery, accreditation and sustainability of their courses.

The objectives of the GINCO network are:
1. To contribute to improve the quality of Grundtvig European training provision and its accreditation systems.
2. To install effective mechanisms for co-operation between (potential) Grundtvig course organisers.
3. To strengthen the cooperation between the relevant stakeholders of Grundvig courses: adult education providers, National Agencies, the European Commission and other.
4. To contribute to the professionalization of adult education staff concerning Grundtvig course provision and delivery
5. To expand the Grundtvig course provision in LLP countries
6. To support dissemination and sustainability of the Grundtvig course provision.

Target groups
The direct network target groups are adult education staff from Grundtvig course providers, potential Grundtvig course providers, adult education providers in general, LLP National Agencies, educational policy makers at European, national and regional levels.