What is the Tafakur-DUNE approach? 

The Tafakur–DUNE approach is an adult learning and education approach developed by DVV International Jordan that aims to empower individuals and communities by linking learning directly to people’s daily lived realities. DUNE (Daily Urgent Needs Education) is the conceptual framework that uses learners’ most pressing social and economic challenges—such as unemployment, marginalization, or lack of livelihood opportunities—as the starting point for education. Learning begins with real-life issues that learners experience in their everyday lives, making education relevant, purposeful, and connected to action.

Tafakur, which means reflective thinking, is the core approach through which DUNE is implemented. It is a structured, dialogue-based process that encourages learners to reflect critically on their experiences, question assumptions, and collectively analyze the root causes of their challenges. Through exploratory dialogue and guided reflection, learners move from passive reception of information toward active knowledge creation and critical awareness.

The Tafakur–DUNE approach is supported by a flexible curriculum that serves as a guiding framework for facilitators rather than a fixed set of learning contents. This flexibility allows the learning process to adapt to the learners’ needs, contexts, and priorities. The curriculum provides facilitators with concepts, methods, and tools to guide dialogue and reflection, while leaving space for learners to shape the learning pathway based on their daily urgent needs. 

Who can use Popular Education Approaches for DUNE?

The Tafakur–DUNE approach can be used with adult learners, especially unemployed youth, women, and marginalized community members, but it is flexible enough for other adult groups as well. It is implemented by trained facilitators working in NGOs, and public institutions. The approach requires facilitation and cannot be applied as self-learning.