Adult Education Centers

DVV International Armenia country office works to promote  lifelong learning and adult education (AE) in the country at three different levels, macro, mezzo and micro.

At macro level, advocacy efforts are directed to incorporating AE into education policies and strategies. At mezzo level, DVV International works with AE umbrella organizations, as well as supports capacity building of adult educators through ToTs, exchange visits and other interventions. 

An important component of DVV-Armenia’s portfolio is the establishment of adult education centers. 

In 2002 – 2007 DVV International Armenia implemented vocational education courses mainly in collaboration with secondary vocational education institutions (colleges). Most of the training courses were for farmers, but some courses were also offered in relation to textile industry, folk arts, cooking, design, computer literacy etc. 

Since 2007 DVV International’s support to adult education offers for beneficiaries has shifted to a more institutional setting, i.e. providing sustainable funding for organizing trainings and various initiatives for adult beneficiaries through collaboration with Adult Education Centers. 

During the past 15 years, 5 Adult Education Centers have been supported by DVV International Armenia, including “Khachmeruk” Educational Consulting Center Foundation (Shirak region), Sisian Adult Education Center foundation (Syunik region), Ijevan Adult Education Center11 and Dilijan Community Center (Tavush region), and Martuni Women Community Council NGO (Gegharkunik region). Currently, DVV International Armenia supports 4 Adult Education Centers, as well as collaborates with 6 more organizations involved in ALE provision (“Sevan” Youth Club NGO, Improve Our Village NGO, “Alvan Tsaghik” social-educational center NGO, Green Lane NGO, Gavar State University, Children of Armenia Fund (COAF)). In 2020 these 10 organizations have established a non-formal network of ALE providers supported by DVV International Armenia to exchange experiences, mobilize resources, invest into capacity building and other initiatives in support of high quality and relevance of their ALE efforts. 

In parallel to hundreds of trainings for development of vocational skills required by the job market, Adult Education Centers have implemented numerous other activities including discussions, public hearings, community initiatives thus promoting civic participation and community involvement among AECs’ beneficiaries and community residents.