From 6 to 8 April 2026, Dushanbe hosted the international conference “Community Learning Centres in Tajikistan: Development Vector”. The event was organized by DVV International and brought together participants from Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Europe to exchange experiences and discuss approaches to the development of adult learning and education (ALE).
The conference served as a platform for dialogue among representatives of government institutions, civil society organisations, and education providers. In his opening remarks, the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Tajikistan, York Schuegraf, highlighted the importance of international cooperation in strengthening education systems and supporting sustainable development.
Tajikistan continues to actively develop its adult education system. Since the establishment of the National Adult Training Centre in 2008, the number of its branches has grown from four to 52 by 2025. As part of ongoing reforms, these centres are gradually being transformed into Community Learning Centres (CLCs), expanding their programmes to include not only vocational training but also life skills education tailored to the needs of local communities.
The conference programme included plenary sessions and discussions focusing on key aspects of ALE development. Participants addressed issues such as institutional models, financing mechanisms, legislative frameworks, and practical approaches to community-based education. International experience from different countries, including Germany, Moldova, Cambodia, and Jordan, was presented as part of this exchange.
Tanja Fichtner, Head of Education at the German Adult Education Centre (Volkshochschule) in Weiden-Neustadt, shared insights on networking in ALE at national and international levels. Her presentation highlighted the role of partnerships in strengthening educational institutions and improving access to learning opportunities.
From dialogue to practice: field visits and local perspectives
The programme included field visits to Community Learning Centres in Sebiston, Vahdat, and Nurek. Participants were able to observe the practical implementation of reforms and learn how centres adapt their services to local needs.
The conference also highlighted the importance of long-term international cooperation. DVV International has been supporting the development of adult education in Tajikistan for many years through capacity building, methodological support, and staff training. As a result of the discussions, participants identified priority areas for the further development of Community Learning Centres and agreed on the need to strengthen coordination among stakeholders. In particular, it was proposed to establish a Working Group to develop a roadmap within the framework of the national strategy for the development of skills and crafts until 2040.
The conference confirmed that the continued development of Adult Learning and Education in Tajikistan requires coordinated efforts, the exchange of international experience, and the adaptation of best practices to local contexts. The conference also provided valuable insights for the international participants. Direct exchange with local practitioners and institutions offered new perspectives on the role of Community Learning Centres in regional development processes and demonstrated how diverse contexts can learn from one another.
I was very grateful for the opportunity to attend the DVV-International Conference on development vectors of CLCs. The exchange of experience with colleagues from Central Asia and within the DVV-International family is of great value for the Volkshochschule Weiden-Neustadt. The rapid development of CLCs in Central Asia in the last decade is impressive and a great inspiration for me personally. – Tanja Fichtner, Head of Education at Volkshochschule Weiden-Neustadt