Project description

Title: Promotion of adult education in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Lead executing agency: Ministry of Civil Affairs
Overall term: 2011 to 2016

Context

Bosnia and Herzegovina is facing major economic and socio-political challenges in the twin processes of economic transformation and European integration. The job market is characterised by high unemployment on the one hand and a shortage of skilled labour in growth sectors on the other. Inadequate or inappropriate qualifications are widespread. Bosnia and Herzegovina has one of the highest illiteracy rates in Europe and among the highest numbers of adults who have not completed primary school education.

Adult learning is becoming increasingly important in mitigating the population's shortfall in qualifications, and in meeting the challenges of technological change and the demands of a knowledge-based society – not least in relation to the planned EU integration. Life-long learning, ranging from primary school qualifications to vocational school or college certification and beyond, is a vital requirement today for economic and social development.

Objective

Formal, non-formal and informal adult education has improved in relation to economic and social needs.

Approach

In the first phase of the project lasting until 2013, governmental and private actors in adult education at the micro and meso levels in the pilot regions receive advice on adapting the range of training courses available for catching up on basic education, and for vocational retraining and advanced qualifications. By drawing on the pilot experiences and drafting proposals, the project advises the partners at government level in shaping adult education policy.