Orsus director Anita Vukić shares insights about their participation in the RESCALE project and the efforts being made to empower adult learners.
1. Why did your organisation decide to join the RESCALE project?
Orsus Adult Education Centre decided to join the RESCALE project because we recognise the growing need for systematic support for adults who are in professional transition, come from declining sectors, or have lower qualifications. Through our everyday work, we see how vulnerable this group is and how important it is for them to gain access to quality learning, new skills, and real employment opportunities in the green or digital economy.
Participation in the project allows us to enhance our existing experience in adult education with innovative methods, tools, and European approaches, and to contribute to the development of a model that will have a long-term impact – not only in Croatia but also at the EU level. This partnership also opens space for cooperation with organisations from other countries, exchange of good practices, and strengthening of our own capacities, ultimately improving the quality of the programmes we offer to our learners.
2. What does “reskilling” mean to you personally and why do you think it is important now?
Reskilling represents an opportunity for individuals to rebuild their professional security, acquire new skills, and find their place in a rapidly changing labour market. It is especially important today because the digital and green transitions are creating new professions, while others are disappearing or transforming. Reskilling is therefore not just an opportunity, but a necessary form of support for people who want to remain active, competitive, and confident in a constantly evolving world.
3. How does this model align with your organisation’s mission or strategic goals?
This model fully aligns with the mission of Orsus Adult Education Centre, as we aim to provide people with the opportunity to acquire knowledge within a short period that can open the door to new employment or help them advance in their careers. We believe that quality education must be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background, experience, or stage of life. That is why we strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome and included.
In our work with adult learners, we emphasise support, understanding, and a sense of belonging, as we know that learning happens best when people feel safe and accepted. In this way, we contribute not only to their employability, but also to their personal and social inclusion.
4. What specific needs or challenges in your region or sector do you hope to address through the Reskilling Labs?
Through the Reskilling Labs, we aim to support adults who find it difficult to engage in learning due to a lack of self-confidence, insufficient digital skills, or because they come from sectors that are changing or disappearing.
We believe that the Reskilling Labs will create a structured, supportive environment where adults can learn step by step, with clear guidance, mentoring, and practical tasks based on real-life situations. The goal of Orsus is to empower adult learners and make learning accessible to everyone.
5. How do you see your organisation’s role in implementing the Labs?
We see the role of Orsus Adult Education Centre in the implementation of the Reskilling Labs primarily as providing guidance and support to adult learners throughout the entire learning process – from the moment they enter the classroom to the final assessment, which represents the culmination of their efforts in acquiring new knowledge and skills.
Our task is to organise high-quality teaching, create a safe and stimulating environment, and ensure teachers who understand the challenges faced by adult learners. In addition, we aim to act as a bridge between learners and the labour market – helping them acquire practical skills, providing guidance, and encouraging them to believe in their own potential.
6. Can you share an example of an innovative or inspiring activity that will be implemented in your Lab?
One of the inspiring activities carried out in our Lab is the combination of team-based problem-solving tasks rooted in everyday life situations, supported by teachers and additional assistants. Learners work in small groups, jointly explore solutions, and learn from one another, while assistants provide support when participants encounter difficulties or need further explanation.
We also use interactive quizzes to check understanding in an engaging way and boost motivation, and we offer individual consultations for those who need more time or support. This collaborative and inclusive atmosphere particularly helps those who struggle more with new skills and gives everyone the feeling that they are not alone in the learning process.
7. Collaboration is at the heart of the RESCALE project. How do you see the value of cross-sector cooperation in this context?
For us, cross-sector cooperation is one of the greatest values of the project. When adult education centres, employers, public services, and experts from different fields come together in a single initiative, learners receive what matters most – real support and genuine opportunities.
Each party brings something unique: we bring experience in working with adults, employers contribute labour market knowledge, and institutions provide structure and stability. Only together can we create an environment in which people can truly learn something useful and find their place in the labour market. This, in our view, is the true strength of this collaboration.
8. What have you learned so far from this cooperation?
So far, we have learned how important open communication and flexibility are. We have seen that each partner brings their own experience and way of thinking, and that these differences enrich the entire process.
9. What impact would you like the Reskilling Labs to leave?
We would like the Reskilling Labs to leave a lasting impact even after the project ends. Our greatest wish is that the handbook developed through this project becomes a practical tool used by teachers, counsellors, and organisations working with adult learners – something clear, useful, and grounded in real experiences from seven countries.
Ultimately, we want everything we do to contribute to making the adult education system more accessible and better aligned with people’s real needs.
10. Looking ahead, what kind of partnerships or further activities would you like to see as a result of the Labs?
Looking ahead, we hope that the Reskilling Labs will open the door to new partnerships that will continue beyond the project. Orsus Adult Education Centre also hopes for collaborations that will enable us to share good practices, learn from one another, and further improve adult education so that it becomes even more accessible and flexible.
The link to ORSUS web site and ORSUS LinkediIn.
