This document discusses the development of strategies for adult education. It describes a European project called DIMA that has created a toolkit to support stakeholders in developing adult education strategies. The document outlines the first unit of the toolkit which focuses on creating a vision and mission statement. It provides definitions and tips for developing an effective vision statement that paints a picture of the future, and mission statement that describes the organization's goals and actions. The toolkit was created by a consortium of 6 partners from 5 European countries and is available to download online.

1. www.dima-project.eu
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication [communication]
and all its content reflect the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any
use which may be made of the information contained therein. Project Number: 2015-1-CY01-KA204-011850
Module 5: Developing Strategy
The Content of the following presentation was prepared
jointly by the ERASMUS+ DIMA Project consortium partners
working collaboratively – Voice overs added for the purposes
of the Irish partner by Michael Kenny, Department of Adult &
Community Education, Maynooth University.
(See partner list following …)

2. DIMA Consortium
The consortium consists of 6 partners, from 5 European
countries which cover a wide range of expertise related
to the aims of the project
 Cyprus: Ministry of Education and Culture
 Cyprus: Centre for Advancement of Research and Development in
Education Technology Ltd – Cardet
 Ireland: Department of Adult & Community Education, Maynooth
University
 Slovenia: Slovenian Institute for Adult Education
 Slovakia: National Institute of Lifelong Learning
 Belgium: European Association for the Education
of Adults

3. Module content
Introduction
This module aims to support strategy
development and empower key
stakeholders (Policy Makers, Adult
Education Providers) to develop Adult
Education strategies, action plans and
programs.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this Module learners will
be able to:
• Describe the steps of developing a
strategy
• List the components of a strategy
Module Introduction
1. Develop vision and mission
2. Define SMART objectives
3. Define Action Plan

4. Unit 1
Develop vision and mission
Unit 1 Unit 2 Unit 3

5. Introduction to Unit 1
This unit aims to support strategy
development and empower key
stakeholders (Policy Makers, Adult
Education Providers) to develop Adult
Education strategies, action plans and
programs.
Unit objectives
At the end of this Unit learners will be
able to:
• Define Vision and Mission
• Differentiate between Vision and
Mission
• Write a Vision Statement and a
Mission Statement for an
organization
Introduction

6. Definition of A Vision Statement
Example of an effective vision statement:
Transform communities by inspiring people
throughout the world to open their minds, accept and
include people with intellectual disabilities and
thereby anyone who is perceived as different.
(Special Olympics:
http://www.specialolympics.org/Sections/What_We_Do/Our_Mission.aspx)
What is a Vision Statement?
“The vision is the aspiration of the organization of what it would like to be in the future”.

7. Questions to consider in preparing a Vision statement
What are the needs to be addressed?
What are the strengths and weaknesses?
What are the resources available?
What are the priorities?
What would success look like?

8. Tips for Developing a Vision Statement
Be brief, clear and easily
explained to others.
Provides direction
/Paint a graphic
picture into the
future.
Involve
stakeholders.
Use the present tense,
clear, concise language.
Do not confuse with mission
statement.
Have a plan to
communicate your
vision statement.
Commit time and
resources to the
vision.
1 2 3 4
5 6 7

9. Definition of A Mission Statement
Example:
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and
athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and
adults with intellectual disabilities. This gives them continuing
opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience
joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their
families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
(Special Olympics: http://www.specialolympics.org/Sections/What_We_Do/Our_Mission.aspx)
What is a Mission Statement?
“The mission is a realistic goal, indicating what the stakeholders would like the adult
education sector to look like after the Strategy is implemented”.

10. Tips for Developing a Mission Statement
Tips …
A Mission Statement …
Grounds the vision practically.
Describes what the organization will do and why.
Is more specific about action.
Involve target groups in
developing the mission
Use clear, concise
language
Clear regarding what is
to be done and why
Inclusive – reflects the
voices of all people
involved

11. www.dima-project.eu
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication [communication]
and all its content reflect the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any
use which may be made of the information contained therein. Project Number: 2015-1-CY01-KA204-011850
End of Unit 1: Module 5 of 9
Thank you
i
(Download toolkit from E-Prints
http://eprints.maynoothuniversity.ie/10121/
Or https://dima-project.eu/index.php/en/toolkit)