From 28 to 30 April 2026, the Regional Youth Academy on Adult Learning and Education (ALE) was held in Istanbul, within the framework of the DVV International Continental Exchange project, bringing together 20 young professionals from six countries: Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Moldova, and Ukraine.
The Academy was designed as an intensive educational and networking programme aimed at strengthening the capacities of young people in the field of adult learning and education (ALE), as well as preparing them for active participation in the future development of this sector. Through their work with a renowned expert in andragogy, Prof. Dr. Katarina Popović, participants had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of key concepts, policies, and practices in adult education.
The delegation from Bosnia and Herzegovina consisted of:
• Selma Kapić, CEI NAHLA
• Emina Ahmić, Educational Center Dizart
• Lamija Lapo, activist and student at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Sarajevo
During the three-day programme, participants engaged in interactive sessions covering topics such as the role and importance of adult education in contemporary society, how adults learn, European and global policies in the ALE sector, and the connections between adult education, democracy, civic engagement, and social inclusion.
Particular focus was placed on understanding adult education as a tool for empowering individuals and communities, as well as a bridge between practice, policy, and societal needs. As Lamija Lapo highlights:
“Regional Youth Academy on Adult Learning and Education represents an invaluable experience for me in connecting educational practices and perspectives from the countries that participated in this programme. I especially appreciated the approach of Professor Katarina Popović and the way she combined theory, practice, and the personal experiences of participants, creating a space where learning took place through dialogue and the exchange of good practices.”
For young people entering the field of adult education, programmes such as this hold multiple benefits—not only as a space for acquiring new knowledge, but also as a platform for networking and professional development. In this context, Emina Ahmić emphasizes:
“Participation in the ALE Academy represents an extremely valuable and inspiring experience that enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of the needs of adult learners, as well as the importance of an adapted and inclusive approach to learning.”
A similar experience is shared by Selma Kapić:
“Participation in this Academy represented a valuable experience for me, both professionally and personally. I would particularly highlight the importance of interactive methods, the exchange of experiences, and the opportunity to learn from different perspectives of participants from other countries.”
It is precisely through such initiatives that a new generation of professionals is emerging—one that will shape the future of adult education and understands that learning does not end upon leaving the classroom, but for many, truly begins at that point.
In addition to its educational component, the Academy provided a valuable space for networking and establishing regional cooperation with the potential to grow into joint initiatives and projects in the field of lifelong learning.
Shortly after returning, a meeting was held with the participants from Bosnia and Herzegovina, during which they shared their impressions and experiences from the Academy, further highlighting the importance of such initiatives for their professional development and engagement in the field of adult education.
We would like to thank our colleagues from the DVV International Continental Exchange project for establishing the Academy as an important starting point for young professionals in the field of adult education, as well as for their continuous support and for providing Bosnia and Herzegovina with the opportunity to be part of this inspiring regional story.