Uganda

DVV International’s commitment to adult learning and education in Uganda began as early as 1985, when the Institute initially supported various non-governmental organisations and the Uganda Adult Education Network (UGAADEN) in lobbying and implementing literacy initiatives as well as non-formal vocational training programmes. In 2010, DVV International set up a country office to coordinate work on the ground.

The illiteracy rate of the population under the age of 18 in Uganda is just under 20 per cent. Illiteracy is around twice as high for women as for men. This particularly affects the population in rural areas. The Ugandan government considers literacy to be an important factor in promoting economic and social development. In 2014, the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development (MGLSD) adopted a national literacy strategy for the country, which set the framework for implementating literacy programmes.

Main focus of work

DVV International supports the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development in establishing an effective system for adult learning and education (ALE) from the community to the national level. The focus is on literacy and livelihood promotion. DVV supports the Ministry in the following areas in particular.

• Policy and guidelines: Expert advice on the development and piloting of the integrated ALE programme. In addition, an implementation framework and guidelines for the implementation of functional literacy measures were developed to ensure the nationwide implementation of the ALE programme across sectors and stakeholders.
• Capacity building: Training of system managers to disseminate a comprehensive, integrated functional literacy approach as part of the ALE programme. This includes, for example, train-the-trainer workshops and the development of materials. Trained Curriculum globALE master trainers ensure a quality training structure from the national to the community level.
• ALE services: Provision of technical assistance to establish and institutionalise community learning centres that provide improved literacy and other relevant adult learning and education services to community members.

Partners

DVV International’s main partner in Uganda is the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and its offices at district and sub-county level. Other sectoral government offices, for example, for health or agriculture, are involved in the development of the Community Learning Centres.