Publications
DVV International East Africa Advocacy Strategy
Our 2025-2028 Advocacy StrategyDespite its proven potential to transform lives, Adult Learning and Education (ALE) in Tanzania and Uganda often sits on the periphery of national development agendas. To change this reality, we are proud to share the DVV International East Africa Advocacy Strategy, our official roadmap designed to move ALE from the sidelines to the center of education and development policy.
This strategic guide details how we plan to ensure that by the end of 2028, ALE is formally recognized, coordinated, and funded as a vital sub-sector within national education systems.
Inside this resource, you will learn about our four core advocacy pillars:
- Policy and Functional Coordination
- Sustainable Financing Public
- Recognition and Awareness
- Fostering Resilient and Innovative Communities
Whether you are a policymaker, development partner, or education advocate, this document outlines an evidence-based and partnership-driven approach to creating systemic change.
Read the full strategy below to see how we are working to amplify the voices of adult learners and build resilient communities.
Policy Brief in ALE Financing - Tanzania
With an adult illiteracy rate of 18.2% (NBS, 2022) and nearly 330,000 students (MoEST, BEST, 2022) dropping out of formal schooling in 2022 alone, Adult and Non-Formal Education (ANFE) is not a peripheral concern; it is a national development imperative. Yet despite Tanzania's overall education budget of TZS 7.39 trillion for FY 2025/26, ANFE holds a striking distinction: it has zero dedicated budget line in the national accounts.
In this Policy brief, we explore the structural financing gap facing ANFE in Tanzania. We analyze Tanzania's Ministry of Finance budget estimates, regional comparisons with Kenya and Uganda, and global frameworks including the Marrakesh Framework for Action (MFA) and UNESCO's GRALE 5 — to make the case for urgent, targeted reform and offer tangible recommendations for decision-makers.
- Establishing a dedicated ANFE Sub-Vote in the FY 2026/27 national budget, growing to at least 1% of the education budget
- Revitalising ANFE committees and departments
- Broadening the funding base through partnerships and introducing an annual public ANFE Status Report to drive accountability
Tanzania has the policy frameworks. It has the infrastructure. What it needs now is the political and financial will to make adult learning visible and to fund it accordingly.
The Revised ICBAE Programme guidelines
The newly revitalized ICBAE Programme emphasizes the need to strengthen ICBAE centers, with a key feature being the introduction of the Community Learning Center (CLC) model. The CLC serves as a one-stop center for youth and adult education, providing continuous education and lifelong learning opportunities that enhance personal, social, and economic development.
Bi- Annual Expenditure Report: June to December 2024
Bi- Annual Expenditure Report: July to December 2023
Learning Needs Assessment 2022
DVV International has started its system-strengthening activities for sustainable adult learning education to strengthen educational opportunities for youth and adults.
DVV International conducted a baseline study on Adult Learning Needs and Demands in two regions namely Dodoma and Coast to serve as a baseline for its pilot interventions in these two regions. The report will provide fact and figures on the assessment of 1) perception of current users of ALE services (who benefited from ALE services in the last three years); 2) the need/demand for ALE services from both existing as well as potential new users; and compare the needs of learners with the services delivered through the existing national Government programs.
Assessment of the integrated Community based Adult Education Programmes
The Integrated Community Based Adult Education (ICBAE) is the national literacy and post-literacy education programme for adults and youth in Tanzania, implemented by the Tanzanian Government. Although it is the main adult education programme in the country there has not been any recent study conducted to assess its implementation and achievements. This study has been conducted in two regions, Dodoma and Coast to assess the status of implementation of the programme. The reports provide following information: 1) implementation structure of ICBAE programme: 2) effectiveness of the methodologies implemented within ICBAE programmes; 3) resources made available for programme implementation and 4) quality assurance mechanism for ICBAE programme.
Adult Learning and Education System Building approach
ALESBA is a conceptual framework that captures the elements and building blocks of a comprehensive ALE system. System building includes the process of assessing and diagnosing the system and finding alternatives to improve the system, test the improved design, make adjustments and scale up interventions to reach a wider target group in a larger geographical area, e.g., nation-wide.
