Jordan

Since 2010, DVV International has been active in Jordan, working through its regional office there. Though Jordan is still considered a safe haven in the middle of a region characterised by conflict, it is increasingly affected by spill over effects and consequences of armed conflicts in neighbouring countries. These include the influx of refugees, internal social conflicts, rising unemployment and poverty.

Despite enormous progress in recent decades, the Jordanian education system is barely able to meet the huge demand. Adult learning and education (ALE) is only gradually establishing itself as an important pillar of lifelong learning. Literacy and catch-up basic education play a major role in state-run adult learning and education, but attention is increasingly focussing on teaching key skills and income-generating abilities.

Main focus of work

• Implementation of the adult learning and education strategy: DVV International supports the Ministry of Education in creating regulations and action plans based on the ALE strategy, which was previously developed with the participation of numerous ministries as well as governmental and non-governmental organisations.
• Promotion of efficient ALE centres: DVV International supports state institutions and non-governmental organisations in establishing and strategically developing ALE centres. The staff of the centres are supported in analysing the training needs of the local population, developing appropriate courses, offering career guidance, arranging contacts with employers and encouraging self-help initiatives in their catchment areas.
• Training qualified professionals: DVV International trains ALE professionals. The training courses teach theories and concepts of participatory ALE and enable participants to apply different teaching methods depending on the topic and the needs of the learners.
• Piloting innovative approaches to ALE: DVV International supports governmental and non-governmental partners in the implementation of innovative ALE programmes designed to help participants generate income and advocate for their interests. A central aspect of this process is encouraging participatory methods that focus on the interests and experiences of the participants and encourage critical thinking and peaceful conflict resolution. 
• Community of Practice: DVV International promotes the organised exchange of knowledge and expertise among both ALE professionals and managers of relevant organisations. The members of the Community of Practice contribute to the improvement of ALE practice, with the aim of advocating on a political level for the interests of the adult learning and education sector in the future.

Partners

The most important partners of DVV International in Jordan are the three ministries of Social Development, Education and Labour, as well as local non-governmental organisations. An important partner at the regional level is the Arab House for Adult Education and Development (AHAED) network, an initiative for the promotion and professionalisation of adult learning and education in the Arab world.