Globally, DVV International promotes the idea of and the brand of adult learning and education (ALE) as well as the concept of lifelong learning.
Lifelong learning refers to the ongoing, voluntary, and self-motivated pursuit of knowledge aimed at improving one’s everyday life. It is not limited to formal education but encompasses learning in all aspects of life, across all ages, and in diverse settings. Adult learning and education is thereby seen as an integral part of lifelong learning.
However, in many of the countries where DVV International operates, it remains challenging to convey the message effectively.
In Malawi, DVV International in collaboration with the National Centre for Adult Literacy and Education (NACLAE) has launched the the ‘Kuphunzira Sikumatha’ campaign, a Malawian version of “lifelong learning” in the local language, Chichewa. ‘Kuphunzira Sikumatha’ literally means “learning doesn’t stop”. This campaign has helped many people, mainly in rural areas, to fully understand what lifelong learning is about.
Through the campaign, individuals understand that learning is an ongoing process, and that they should thus continue learning throughout their lives regardless of their current level of education and knowledge. For example, even those who have not received formal education are encouraged not to lose hope but to acquire skills such as literacy and vocational skills.
Lifelong learning is particularly crucial for Malawi’s out-of-school populations and marginalised communities that lack access to formal education pathways. Currently, over 3.5 million youths and adults in Malawi require ALE services, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goal Number Four: “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”
An ALE stakeholder mapping exercise, which DVV International recently conducted, showed that a considerable number of potential rural target groups demonstrate a limited understanding of what constitutes ALE. Many were unaware of its broad scope, which extends beyond literacy and numeracy to include financial literacy, vocational training, and various capacity-building initiatives for adults. Thus, the ‘Kuphunzira Sikumatha’ campaign significantly enhances people’s understanding of ALE.
DVV International in Malawi promotes the ‘Kuphunzira Sikumatha’ slogan through its existing programmes, such as Community Learning Centres and Integrated Adult Education. Additionally, DVV International promotes ‘Kuphunzira Sikumatha’ through the involvement of the media. For example, the slogan ‘Kuphunzira Sikumatha’ was highlighted during this year’s ALE media awards ceremony held in Mzuzu. These annual ALE awards recognise journalists for their excellent reporting on ALE.
The ‘Kuphunzira Sikumatha’ campaign and visibility will reach a climax on 8 September 2025 when Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia will, for the first time, hold a joint celebration for International Literacy Day, with Chichewa speakers as the main target group. It falls within the operationalisation efforts of the National Adult Literacy and Education Strategic Plan and the National Adult Literacy and Education Policy which were launched in 2023. It is encouraging to see that the members of the ALE Thematic Group have warmly embraced the local slogan and integrated it into various ALE activities.
‘Kuphunzira Sikumatha’ stickers are now visible in many educational institutions that offer ALE and beyond.
