Uganda
DVV International’s commitment to adult learning and education in Uganda began as early as 1985, when the Institute initially supported various non-governmental organisations and the Uganda Adult Education Network (UGAADEN) in lobbying and implementing literacy initiatives as well as non-formal vocational training programmes. In 2010, DVV International set up a country office to coordinate work on the ground.
The illiteracy rate of the population under the age of 18 in Uganda is just under 20 per cent. Illiteracy is around twice as high for women as for men. This particularly affects the population in rural areas. The Ugandan government considers literacy to be an important factor in promoting economic and social development. In 2014, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) adopted a national literacy strategy for the country, which set the framework for implementating literacy programmes.
Key Areas of Work
DVV International supports the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in establishing an effective system for adult learning and education (ALE) from the community to the national level. The focus is on literacy and livelihood promotion. DVV supports the Ministry in the following areas in particular.
- Policy and guidelines: After providing technical support for the development and testing of the integrated ALE programme, DVV International is now providing technical expertise for the programme's national roll out. This includes the development of an implementation framework with CLC guidelines and an ALE strategy as guidance. In addition, DVV International supports the government in the implementation of the framework for recognition of prior learning to allow skills acquired through non-formal education being officially recognized.
- Capacity building: Trained Curriculum globALE master trainers ensure a quality training structure from the national to the community level. This includes, for example, train-the-trainer workshops on andragogy and functional literacy approaches as well as the development of materials.
- ALE services: Provision of technical assistance to establish and institutionalise community learning centres that provide improved literacy and other relevant adult learning as well as vocational training to community members.
Partners
DVV International’s main partner in Uganda is the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and its offices at district and sub-county level. Other sectoral government offices, for example, for health or agriculture, are involved in the development of the Community Learning Centres.