DVV International: Stories

Eine Frau und ein Mann sitzen an einem langen Konferenztisch. Die Frau lächelt freundlich in die Kamera. Der Mann schaut auf den Laptop vor ihm und gestikuliert. Am Ende des Raumes befindet sich eine weiße Tafel, an der Wand hängen Pläne, Kalender und Poster.

March 2025DVV International Laos

Laotian researchers earn PhDs in Lifelong Learning from the University of Cologne, Germany

Two researchers from Laos completed their PhDs at the University of Cologne, tackling key challenges in adult learning and education and lifelong learning.

March 2025Jawad Al-Gousous, Jordan

Merging lifelong learning and human rights for a new social contract

Wooden letter cubes form the words ‘HUMAN RIGHTS’ against a fanned out, blurred book background.

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.

February 2025Mariia Mylohorodska, Ukraine

Learning that heals: How education brings back hope in times of war

Mariia Mylohorodska is a project coordinator at DVV International’s office in Ukraine. Three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion, she shares how – amid war and uncertainty – she and many other Ukrainians found strength in learning.

February 2025Joseph Masonda, Tanzania

1st East African Conference on Recognition of Prior Learning – outcomes, reflections, and next steps

Group photo of participants at a conference. The people are standing and sitting in several rows in a formal event room. Banners with the logos of vhs DVV International and a government agency can be seen in the background. A lectern with vhs branding is on the right of the picture. The participants are wearing formal clothes, some are smiling while others are looking neutrally into the camera.

Establishing a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is a key policy initiative adopted by many countries to regulate qualifications, ensure quality assurance, and enhance the recognition and comparability of skills and credentials. In line with the Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2016-2025, countries are encouraged to develop national qualifications frameworks that facilitate regional and international mobility of learners and workers.

One essential component of this framework is the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which validates competencies acquired through non-formal pathways. Non-formal education equips youth and adults with employable skills, thus improving access to job markets and contributing to sustainable development. This calls for an interrogation of RPL…

December 2024Interview with Helen Dabu, Philippines

A strong voice for adult learning and education in Asia – ASPBAE turns 60

The Asia South Pacific Association for Basic and Adult Education (ASPBAE) is one of DVV International’s key partners in Asia. The network represents 264 civil society organisations and individual members in 31 countries. On the occasion of ASPBAE’s 60th anniversary in November 2024, Helen Dabu, Secretary General of ASPBAE, talks about the successes and challenges of this civil society network.

A woman stands at a lectern and speaks into a microphone. She is wearing a black dress and a reddish-brown stole. In the background, a man in a suit with a gold medal around his neck stands in front of wooden panelling. At the top of the picture is a screen with a graphic image.

December 2024Greta Pelucco, Belgium

European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) honoured for impact on adult education in Europe

EAEA had the honour of being inducted into the International Adult and Continuing Education (IACE) Hall of Fame in November 2024 in Florence, Italy. The award was accepted by EAEA's President, Uwe Gartenschlaeger, and Secretary General, Gina Ebner.