Uganda
DVV International’s involvement in adult education in Uganda began as early as 1985. Initially, the institute supported various non-governmental organizations and the Uganda Adult Education Network (UGAADEN) in advocacy and the implementation of literacy initiatives, as well as non-formal vocational training programs. In 2010, DVV International established a country office to coordinate its work locally.
The illiteracy rate among the population under 18 in Uganda is just under 20%. For women, the rate is about twice as high as for men, especially affecting the rural population. The Ugandan government views literacy as a significant factor in promoting economic and social development. In 2014, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) adopted a national literacy strategy that laid the foundation for the implementation of literacy programmes.
Key Areas of Work
DVV International supports the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development in establishing an effective adult education system from the community level to the national level, with a focus on literacy and livelihood promotion. DVV particularly supports the ministry in the following areas:
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Policy and Guidelines: Providing technical advice on the development and piloting of the integrated adult education program. An implementation framework and guidelines for the functional literacy program have also been developed to ensure cross-sector and stakeholder coordination for nationwide implementation.
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Capacity Building: Training system managers to promote a comprehensive, integrated functional literacy approach under the adult education program. This includes Train-the-Trainer workshops and the development of materials. Certified master trainers of the Curriculum globALE ensure a quality training structure from national to community level.
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Adult Education Services: Providing technical support in the establishment and institutionalization of community learning centers, which offer improved literacy and other relevant adult education services for community members.
Partners
The main partner of DVV International in Uganda is the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, along with its offices at district and sub-district levels. Other sectoral government offices, such as those for health and agriculture, are involved in the development of community-based learning centers.