Adult Learning as a Path to Human Dignity and Social Resilience

As part of the ongoing campaign to promote adult education, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amina Isanović Hadžiomerović, professor at the Department of Pedagogy, Faculty of Philosophy – University of Sarajevo, shared the following reflection:
“Adult learning is not merely the accumulation of information—it is a deeply existential act. It involves inner dialogue, self-examination, confronting one’s limitations, and a willingness to change. Through learning, a person shapes their human identity.
Adult education provides a framework for lifelong personal development. It offers opportunities not only to acquire professional knowledge but also to cultivate personal growth and a deeper understanding of the world we live in.
Today’s world presents us with many pressing questions. Climate change, wars, social inequalities, rapid technological advancement, and the loss of a sense of belonging all cause profound disruptions in our daily lives. Some of these questions concern our very survival—not only physical, but also ethical, spiritual, and social.
In this context, the ability to learn, to understand, and to act upon what we learn becomes a vital tool for survival and growth. Learning is no longer just an individual need—it is a collective responsibility. We must learn how to live together, how to foster mutual respect, how to build communities, and how to develop resilience in the face of adversity.
Adult education is a necessity. It is a process that requires time, openness, and support. Even when the world feels too fast, overwhelming, and burdened with challenges, it is through continuous learning that we can find orientation, meaning, and the strength to help shape a better society.
Adult learning is both personal and universal. Through learning, we become better individuals and more capable of shaping a more humane world.
Today, more than ever, adult education plays a crucial role in building a more humane, peaceful, and inclusive world.”