XIII. Meeting of Contact Persons for Adult Education Highlights Future Strategic Development Priorities

After more than two years of a pause in the continuous exchange of information and practices in adult education caused by the coronavirus pandemic outbreak, DVV International - Country Office Bosnia and Herzegovina organized the thirteenth meeting of contact persons for adult education within the competent ministries of education in Bosnia and Herzegovina on 23rd and 24th of March in Mostar.

Apart from the regular exchange of news in the field of adult education in individual administrative units, two key topics addressed during the meeting were:

• Information on the Implementation of the Strategic Platform for the Development of Adult Education in the Context of Lifelong Learning in Bosnia and Herzegovina 2014-2022, and
• Strategic priorities in the future development of adult education and planned activities in the upcoming period.

The following aspects were highlighted as the key strategical priorities for the future development of adult education:

1. Promotion of adult learning and education (ALE) with an innovative approach adjusted to the target groups
2. Quality assurance by building capacities, applying a unique approach and methodology, continuous training of andragogical staff, developing a quality management system and a better operationalization of the term of quality in adult education
3. Recognition of prior learning
4. Digitalization of adult education and learning by improving the infrastructure and introducing digital tools
5. Financing aimed at improving accessibility and availability of programs and grants
6. Harmonization with the EU standards (projects, standards, regulation)
7. Harmonization of legal framework and fluidity
8. Functionalization of ALE programs
9. Cooperation with the economy.

The participants were also introduced to the first-ever published Study on Adult Learning and Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina, published by DVV International and German Institute for Adult Education (DIE).

The meeting was attended by representatives of 9 responsible institutions: the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federal Ministry of Education and Science, and seven cantonal ministries of education (Una-Sana Canton, Tuzla Canton, Zenica-Doboj Canton, Bosnia-Podrinje Canton Goražde, West Herzegovina Canton, Sarajevo Canton and Canton 10).