he “Mix & Stir! Developing Competences that Improve the Quality of Life Using New Educational Tools” project has released its comprehensive Think Tanks Report. This report captures the insights, findings, and best practices from a series of think tanks organized across Europe. These think tanks brought together people with limited access to education, creating a space for sharing experiences and finding practical solutions to common challenges. If you are interested in innovative approaches to adult education, this report is a must-read.

What Is the Mix & Stir Think Tanks Report?

The Think Tanks Report summarizes the outcomes of 44 local think tanks conducted throughout 2023 by the Mix & Stir project partners—STAWIL Sp. z o.o., Novareckon srl (NR), and the Institute of Entrepreneurship Development (iED). These think tanks were designed to engage participants with low basic skills and limited access to education in Poland, Italy, and Greece, focusing on peer learning and developing practical skills.

The report highlights the methods used, challenges faced, and solutions proposed by participants. It is a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and community leaders who want to understand the barriers to education and explore effective, community-driven solutions.

Key Insights from the Report:

1. Local Think Tanks Findings:
   • The report details the outcomes of local meetings held in Poland, Italy, and Greece. Each section provides an overview of how local participants tackled educational challenges. For example, think tanks combined discussions on digital skills with hands-on cooking classes in Poland, creating an engaging learning environment that blended cultural and technological education.
2. International Think Tank Highlights:
   • The report also covers the international think tank event in Poland, where participants from various regions shared their experiences and developed strategies for broader application. The event underscored the value of cross-cultural collaboration in education and highlighted successful practices that could be adapted across different contexts.
3. Good Practices and Recommendations:
   • The report includes a “good practices” section identified during the think tanks. These practices emphasize the importance of using familiar tools (like smartphones) to teach digital skills and integrate culturally relevant topics to engage participants. The report also offers practical recommendations for organizations looking to implement similar initiatives.
4. Participant Feedback and Impact:
   • The report provides surveys and feedback from participants that show a strong positive response to the think tank approach. Participants reported gaining new skills, increased confidence in using digital tools, and a better understanding of the value of lifelong learning.

Why Read the Mix & Stir Think Tanks Report?

The Mix & Stir Think Tanks Report is a comprehensive guide to improving educational access for marginalized communities through innovative, community-based approaches. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in adult education, community engagement, or social inclusion. The report provides concrete examples of how to create supportive learning environments that empower individuals with low basic skills.

To dive deeper into the findings and learn how these think tanks have made a difference, download the full Mix & Stir Think Tanks Report here. This report offers valuable insights and practical recommendations that can be applied to educational programs worldwide.