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.
Lifelong learning is a continuous process that accompanies individuals throughout all stages of life, with each stage having its own needs and circumstances. This means that rights issues are diverse and will change according to the different stages and contexts. Lifelong learning and human rights must work in tandem to effect positive change. To achieve this, advocating for a new social contract for education, development, and human rights is essential.
