A globally applicable curriculum for training adult educators is not only an ambitious goal, it is also in high demand internationally. In the Marrakech Framework for Action (MFA), adopted at CONFINTEA VII in Morocco in 2022, the crucial role of professionalisation in adult learning and education (ALE) was once more highlighted. Although there is a high demand for them, ALE still lacks a systematic effort to develop common standards on knowledge and competencies for the diverse ALE teaching staff. For instance, community learning centres (CLC), spaces offering accessible lifelong learning opportunities for communities, need qualified adult educators to ensure that relevant and high-quality ALE learning services are provided.
Master trainers to establish training structure
DVV International supports professionalisation in ALE through the Curriculum globALE (CG), developed by DVV International, UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, and the International Council for Adult Education, among others. It is a competence-based framework curriculum with five outcome-based modules for planning and implementing training cycles in various settings and contexts. Over the years, CG has led to significant improvement in competences of adult educators in Asia, Europe, and Latin America. After close consultation with experts in the region, DVV International has decided to start the implementation process of CG in the East Africa/Horn of Africa region.
Selected representatives from universities, ministries and training institutions in Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia, are participating in the CG Master Training Programme in 2023. After the training, these Master Trainers will take the lead in establishing a well-informed training of trainers structure in ALE and push the professionalisation agenda forward.
The regional CG module 1 training took place in Ethiopia in March. It followed an interactive learner-centred approach. The trainer, Prof Dr Katarina Popović, introduced concepts on pedagogical theory as well as frameworks of ALE. Trainee Stella Achen (Ph.D) from Makerere University Uganda says: “The module boosts the confidence of trainees through diverse activities, such as roleplays, case studies, group discussions to reflect what they have learned in their own teaching and training practices. This further makes learning a teamwork activity, so that participants can learn from each other’s experiences.” Dr. Sempeho Siafu, Head of Research and Mass Education at the Institute of Adult Education Tanzania added: “The training helped to build and further the relationships between Tanzania, Ethiopia and Uganda. This is vital in ALE because it allows shared reflections and experience-sharing resonating around questions like recognition of ALE programs within the qualification frameworks, professionalisation of ALE, and the diversity of ALE stakeholders within the region.”
"An opportunity to strategically re-think current approaches"
Concluding on the benefits of the CG Master Training, Dr Sempeho Siafu stated: “As one of the key resource persons in Tanzania who should coordinate ALE stakeholders towards efficient and effective implementation of the National Adult Literacy and Mass Education Rolling Strategy with the purpose of designing and organising accessible and quality adult literacy and mass education programmes, this training is an opportunity for me to strategically re-think current approaches used to engage state and non-state ALE stakeholders in combating illiteracy. Now I know, the primary challenge is not resources but how to mobilize key stakeholders to improve ALE service delivery in the country. The training helps us to build the needed competences to achieve this.” Stella Achen summarized: “CG helps people appreciate the contribution of ALE to the development agenda. I also believe that completing training in all five modules of CG will enable one to champion AE and advocate for policies that favour ALE. Notably, this can enhance research and promote a better understanding of designing and delivering AE programs, leading to evidence-based practices. Overall, CG provides professionals with a comprehensive and practical approach to ALE, essential for developing the skills and knowledge required to create quality learning experiences for individuals.”
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