In Ecuador, adult learning and education (ALE) is making tangible progress towards greater inclusion. New initiatives are working to realise the right to education, especially for those who have been excluded from the traditional education system.
One important step forward in this area has been achieved at the state education centre “Juan Montalvo” in Quito, where a virtual education programme has been specifically adapted for deaf people. This was made possible through collaboration between DVV International and the Ministry of Education. To uphold the principles of equality and educational equity, DVV International provided technical consultation to help further develop the Ministry of Education’s Moodle platform, making it more accessible for deaf learners.
More people than ever are currently on the run. The reasons for this are many and varied – ranging from loss of livelihood, political and religious persecution, and social marginalisation to gender-based or ethnic discrimination. According to the latest estimates from the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), over 122 million people had been forcibly displaced by the end of April 2025.
Adult education centres worldwide are working diligently to support those affected. To mark World Refugee Day on 20 June, Anush Aleqsanyan, who fled from Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, shares her story – and how access to education has helped her to build a new life.
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.
Led by the Office of the President, Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), a strategic workshop in Mwanza set the stage for strengthening adult learning and education across Tanzania, with a renewed focus on Community Learning Centres and inclusive, tech-driven education strategies – supported by key partners like DVV International.
The ban on girls’ education and severe restrictions on women’s work, along with a deteriorating health system and widespread poverty have created immense challenges for women in Afghanistan. DVV International’s long-standing partner, the Afghan National Association for Adult Education (ANAFAE), uses its deep community ties to find creative ways of supporting women’s development without jeopardising their safety. Ms. Roqia*, a professional tailor and mother of two, is one of 45 participants in a course for female entrepreneurs. She shares how she continues to grow her business despite all restrictions.
Two researchers from Laos completed their PhDs at the University of Cologne, tackling key challenges in adult learning and education and lifelong learning.
