DVV International has been deeply committed to supporting the establishment of a degree programme for adult learning and education (ALE) at the Ecole Normale Supérieure (ENSup) in Mali over several years. Together with the Malian Ministry of Education and other partners, an important step has been taken towards enhancing the quality of education and increasing the social recognition of ALE in Mali.
The initiative to establish such a programme originated from the Ministry of Education and its two departments responsible for ALE: the Direction Nationale de l'Éducation non-formelle et des Langues Nationales (DNENF-LN) and the Centre National des Ressources de l'Éducation Non-formelle (CNR-ENF). At a conference on the situation of the Malian education system in 2016, it became evident that there was a lack of structured training for adult educators. Administrative personnel too – whether in central or decentralised units of the Ministry of Education or in other ministries indirectly involved in adult and continuing education – often lack formal training in ALE and had previously acquired relevant knowledge only through on-the-job experience.
From idea to implementation
With support from DVV International, a commission was established in 2019 to explore the feasibility of creating an ALE degree programme at the Ecole Normale Supérieure du Mali (ENSup), which had until then been responsible solely for training teachers and school administrators.
Representatives of various departments and organisational units of the Ministry of Education as well as experts discussed the details of setting up such a course in terms of content and target groups. The programme aims to improve the job market acceptance of its graduates and enhance their career prospects. It also provides further training opportunities for professionals in ministries and public administration engaged in the field of ALE.
Between 2021 and 2023, study models for both Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes were developed with the support of DVV International. The Curriculum globALE, a framework curriculum developed by DVV International for the training of adult educators, served as a valuable source of inspiration for the course content. In total, 90 learning modules were defined, and teaching materials are being progressively developed for students.
Looking to Germany: a role model for Mali
Embedding an ALE degree programme within the Malian higher education and research system provides ALE in Mali with both scientific credibility and institutional legitimacy. It also promotes greater societal recognition and raises the overall quality of ALE through the professionalisation of its workforce.
Germany offers a compelling example of this approach. Since the early 1970s, the establishment of ALE degree programmes at several German universities has significantly strengthened ALE as the fourth pillar of the education system - alongside school, university, and vocational education.
With the launch of the degree programme, Mali will benefit from a better-qualified workforce in the field of ALE. This will enable the sector to contribute more effectively to raising educational levels and supporting the country’s overall development.
DVV International provided both technical expertise and financial assistance during the preparatory phase of the programme. We are particularly pleased that UNESCO, as a major cultural and educational organisation, is now also involved and will provide financial support for the course in its initial years – enabling it to grow and develop in line with other higher education programmes in Mali.
Together towards success
The regional office of DVV International West Africa would like to thank all those involved for their commitment and is delighted that what was initiated and started in 2016 has now been brought to a successful conclusion. In the future, educators and many other relevant stakeholders in Mali will be trained at the academic level in the field of andragogy.
DVV International is confident that the establishment of an ALE degree programme at ENSup will contribute significantly to the further development of Mali’s education system – and, by extension, to the advancement of this culturally rich and diverse country.
