Community Learning Centers
CLCs in the region and steps of implementation
The Community Learning Center (CLC) model was pioneered through a collaborative effort initiated by DVV International, facilitating its transfer from Morocco to Ethiopia via a structured peer learning program. Following its successful adaptation to Ethiopia’s local context, the model was further tailored and piloted in Uganda, demonstrating its versatility. Today, CLCs in both Ethiopia and Uganda stand as cornerstone institutions for lifelong learning, delivering comprehensive, integrated services that address community-specific needs while advancing national development goals. These centers exemplify how Adult Learning and Education (ALE) initiatives can synergize with partner efforts to foster cohesive community development.
In Tanzania, the CLC concept was introduced through strategic exchange visits to Uganda and Ethiopia, sparking enthusiasm among government bodies and key ALE stakeholders. While Uganda and Ethiopia have prioritized scaling CLCs nationwide, Tanzania embarked on its journey by inaugurating its first CLC in December 2022, with a second center launched in early 2023. DVV International plays a pivotal role in strengthening this framework by promoting cross-country and intra-regional knowledge exchange, peer learning, and capacity-building initiatives. These efforts ensure the sustainable institutionalization of CLCs, enabling them to thrive as dynamic hubs for education, skill development, and community empowerment across all three nations.
This strategic approach underscores the adaptability of the CLC model and its critical role in aligning localized educational strategies with broader national agendas, fostering inclusive growth and lifelong learning opportunities.
What is a Community Learning Center?
Community Learning Centers (CLC) are places of learning and community development, where a variety of Adult Learning and Education (ALE) services can be delivered to the community, such as functional adult literacy, livelihoods and business skills training, savings and credit schemes, libraries, agricultural and health services, etc. The Recommendation on Adult Learning and Education (RALE, UNESCO General Conference of 2015) states that ‘Adult learning and Education is a core component of lifelong learning’ and member states are advised to establish appropriate structures such as CLC for delivering ALE services, and at the same time, encourage adults to use CLCs for learning and development. Therefore, it is acknowledged CLCs have a strong role to play in ALE, and particularly in ALE service delivery at community level.
Community Learning Centres (CLCs) in the region
DVV International is pioneering transformative change in Tanzania through its pilot Community Learning Centers (CLCs), dynamic one-stop hubs designed to foster lifelong learning and sustainable community development. These vital centers, such as Hogoro CLC (serving five villages near Kongwa), Mzenga CLC (empowering four villages in Kisarawe), and Ruvu JKT CLC (reaching five hamlets in Kibaha), offer a diverse range of locally-tailored services, from functional literacy and vocational training to livelihood skills, agricultural demonstrations, and even ICT education. Driven by community needs and managed collaboratively with local stakeholders, these CLCs exemplify DVV International's commitment to empowering individuals, promoting social cohesion, and enhancing the overall quality of life through accessible, integrated, and impactful adult education initiatives.