Adult Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A Perspective from Practice

Adult education is a key component of any society’s development, as it enables individuals to adapt to change, enhance their competencies, and actively participate in social processes. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, this field has been gradually evolving through various initiatives, programs, and institutional efforts, supported by both domestic and international actors. Practical experience shows that adult education has a profound impact on the personal and professional growth of individuals, as well as on the broader community.

The following reflection by Professor Dr. Šefika Alibabić, retired full professor at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade – Department of Pedagogy and Andragogy, highlights the value and significance of this sector:

“Adult education and learning lie at the heart of every positive development—personal, professional, and societal. It is within this context that we should view the activities of DVV International – Country Office Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has provided and continues to provide essential resources (motivational, financial, organizational, programmatic, expert…) to bring adult education in BiH to life and make it a lived reality, all with the aim of advancing Bosnian society.

I have witnessed DVV International’s activities across numerous areas of adult education—from improving policy and management, to developing educational programs, and enhancing trainer competencies.

The justification and purposefulness of DVV International’s investment in adult education is best reflected in the participants of the trainings I have delivered and supervised. The greatest reward for any trainer is the curiosity and motivation of learners—their creativity, engagement, dedication, and above all, their desire to become professionally competent in the field of adult education. That is exactly what I saw in all my participants in BiH.

These were individuals to whom DVV International gave the opportunity to grow and develop professionally—and they seized that opportunity in the best possible way.

When you say ‘adult education in BiH,’ you’re essentially saying ‘DVV International’—the two have become synonymous.”