Bosnia and Herzegovina

DVV International began its work in Bosnia and Herzegovina after establishing a country office in 2000.

The complex political situation in the country, which is ethnically, politically and administratively divided, has also affected the education sector. The disparity in the education system caused by the existence of different entities and cantons leads to uneven educational standards, a lack of coordination between the different levels of government and the absence of a common vision for improving the education system.

Not least thanks to the many years of work by DVV International, laws and strategies to promote adult learning and education (ALE) now exist in almost all cantons. Nevertheless, the ALE sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina still faces major challenges. These include a lack of financial and technical resources as well as inadequate adaptation of educational programmes to the needs of the labour market. This leads to lower quality of education, high dropout rates, limited opportunities for professional development and employment, and ultimately increased emigration of citizens from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Main focus of work

• Improving the framework conditions for adult learning and education: DVV International is involved in the drafting of laws that are intended to anchor high-quality ALE in the education system over the long term.
• Professionalisation of ALE teachers: Teachers are trained in the methodology and didactics of adult learning and education according to a publicly recognised training programme developed on the basis of Curriculum globALE, which includes a publicly recognised certificate upon completion.
• Strengthening and networking of ALE institutions: ALE providers are supported in their organisational development (Curriculum institutionALE) and in improving their management processes (Curriculum managerALE). DVV International is fostering cooperation and networking between ALE institutions both within the country and with European partners since there exists a particular deficit in this area.
• Expanding and improving the quality of ALE programmes: Particularly when it comes to improving the number of those in work, courses are being piloted in line with the current needs of the labour market and in cooperation with ALE institutions, non-governmental organisations and specialist schools from the formal education system. Participants who complete these courses are awarded a recognised certificate, which also improves their prospects on the labour market.

Partners

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, DVV International works with the State Ministry of Civil Affairs, the cantonal ministries of education in Sarajevo, Una-Sana, Tuzla and Goražde, as well as with the Institute for Adult Education of the Republika Srpska. In addition to these state decision-makers, DVV International’s partners also include universities, vocational schools and civil society organisations from all parts of the country.