Dear Readers,

Access to education is unevenly distributed – not only globally, but also within individual countries. Disadvantaged groups – including, for example, people in rural areas, low-income communities, women, indigenous populations, people with disabilities, and refugees – are often excluded from high-quality education. This severely limits their opportunities for social and economic participation.

In this issue of our newsletter, we showcase examples from our work on how adult learning and education (ALE) can reach these groups – providing not only knowledge and skills, but also self-confidence and new perspectives.

In Togo, a film by our colleagues demonstrates how literacy programmes combined with income-generating activities empower women to achieve economic independence. To anchor these educational opportunities in the long term, DVV International works closely with local and national authorities and supports networks advocating for better recognition and funding of ALE.

In Armenia, local adult education centres are supporting refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh in processing traumatic experiences and settling into their new environment. Meanwhile, in Ecuador, our team partnered with the Ministry of Education to adapt a virtual education programme specifically for deaf learners. The programme, now offered at the Juan Montalvo State Education Centre, is a step toward greater inclusion and equity in education.

We wish you an inspiring read!

Uwe Gartenschlaeger (Director DVV International)

Esther Hirsch (Deputy Director DVV International)

Click on the LINK to read the Newsletter!