On 17–18 December, the AgriMENTAL Knowledge of Management (KoM) meeting took place in Kavala, Greece, bringing together partners from France, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Türkiye. The meeting marked an important milestone for the project, strengthening cooperation and advancing the development of key work packages that directly support Vocational Education and Training (VET) for adult educators.
Strengthening VET frameworks for adult educators
A central focus of the KoM was the strategic development of Work Package 2 (WP2), led by STANDO, which concentrates on the design of educational content and methodologies aimed at adult educators, trainers, and professionals working in agricultural and rural contexts. Discussions emphasised how VET programmes can better respond to the mental health needs of adults working in agriculture, integrating psychosocial awareness, well-being promotion, and supportive practices into training pathways.
In parallel, partners reviewed progress and next steps for Work Package 5 (WP5), ensuring alignment between educational outputs, dissemination strategies, and long-term sustainability. Particular attention was given to how project results can be transferred into practical VET tools, curricula, and training resources suitable for adult education settings across Europe.
Experiential learning through field workshops
Beyond strategic planning, the KoM included a series of experiential workshops hosted in farms and mental health facilities across the wider Kavala region. These site-based activities allowed adult educators and project partners to observe and reflect on real-life practices where agricultural work, learning, and mental well-being intersect.
For VET professionals, these workshops demonstrated the value of:
- Work-based learning in authentic rural environments
- Context-sensitive training approaches for adult learners
- Integrating mental health awareness into agricultural education
- Linking theory with practice through observation, dialogue, and reflection
Such experiences reinforce the role of adult educators as facilitators of holistic learning, capable of addressing both technical competences and well-being-related challenges faced by adult learners.
Added value for adult education and training
The AgriMENTAL KoM confirmed the project’s strong contribution to innovation in adult education and VET, particularly in sectors where mental health is often overlooked. By equipping adult educators with new knowledge, pedagogical tools, and field-based insights, the project supports the development of more inclusive, resilient, and human-centred training models.
As AgriMENTAL moves forward, its outcomes will continue to strengthen the capacity of adult educators to deliver relevant, sustainable, and socially responsive VET programmes, especially in agricultural and rural contexts.
