Representatives of DVV International – Country Office for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Director Dženita Džano and Project Coordinator Sabina Šošić, are participants in the Adult Education Academy, held from February 3 to 14 at Julius-Maximilians University in Würzburg. This program, conducted since 2014, promotes international networking in adult education and lifelong learning, aiming to connect academic learning with practice.
During the preparatory phase and the two-week intensive program, participants develop and refine their analytical and comparative skills in adult education within an international setting. They gain an understanding of internationally relevant education policies in the context of lifelong learning while enhancing their communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills by collaborating with colleagues from around the world.
Adult Education Academy
The preparatory phase (November 2024 – January 2025) was crucial for participation in the Adult Education Academy. Participants were divided into two groups: master's students and practitioners, and doctoral students. The master's students and practitioners focused on the topic "International Strategies in Adult Education", while doctoral students could choose between this topic or "Paulo Freire, Adult Education, and Permanent Education". The preparatory phase included online tutorials, material study, and group discussions.
The first week of the Academy focuses on a critical reflection on current education policies and Paulo Freire’s theories. Theoretical insights are accompanied by visits to adult education institutions in Würzburg, Frankfurt, and Nuremberg.
The second week includes comparative group work on nine different topics related to adult education and lifelong learning. The representatives of DVV International presented the work of the Center for Healthy Ageing Novo Sarajevo and its strong role in adult education within the context of healthy ageing. This aligns with the comparative group "Education, Learning and Active Ageing: Competences for Work and Life", to which they belong. At the end of the week, the comparative results will be presented to all groups.
The participation of our team members significantly contributes to enhancing capacities and knowledge in the field of adult education. Through various activities, including lectures, reflections, field visits, and discussions with international stakeholders, the Academy provides an opportunity to gain valuable experiences and insights. It is also an excellent opportunity to network with andragogues, researchers, and practitioners from around the world, exchange best practices, and improve professional skills.
You can find the Academy program at the following link: https://www.paedagogik.uni-wuerzburg.de/fileadmin/06030032/AEA2025/250203_Programmheft.pdf