On July 8, 2024, the workshop "Coordination of Actors for the functionalization of Programs in Adult Education in the Context of Lifelong Learning: Provision of Short-Term Courses and Level 3, 4, and 5 Programs" was held at the premises of Sirius Hotel, jointly organized by DVV International and the Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (AVETAE).
In this workshop 19 persons participated, including representatives from AVETAE, the National Qualifications Authority of Kosovo (NQA), as well as directors and professors from vocational schools and competence centers.
The purpose of this workshop was to assess the current situation, identify the challenges and determine the necessary actions for the implementation of the programs developed by the cooperation between DVV International and AVETAE.
Ms. Fikrije Zymberi, Acting General Director of AVETAE, opened the workshop by mentioning the achievements from the coorporation with DVV International, including the drafting and development of various curricula and programs for Adult Education (AE), which will be implemented within the Centers of Competence and Vocational High Schools. Some of the curricula and programs developed over the past few years with professional and technical support from DVV International are: profiles for professions such as Auto Mechanic, Metalworker, Tailor, Electric Installer, and Builder-Mason, as well as the qualification program in the field of Information Technology and Communication (ICT).
Meanwhile, Mr. Ramadan Alija, Head of DVV International's office in Kosovo, expressed gratitude for the fruitful cooperation with AVETAE, which has brought significant advancements in adult education within the Competence Centers (CC) and Vocational High Schools. He emphasized that the purpose of this workshop is to analyze the current situation on the ground and the process of implementing these programs, as well as to draft recommendations that will be addressed to the responsible institutions (MESTI) for the implementation of these developed programs.
Furthermore, Mr. Muhamer Ibriqi and Mr. Jetmir Berisha from AVETAE, during their presentation, recalled and analyzed the recommendations from the analysis and research on offering short-term modular courses for adult education within Competence Centers (CC) and Vocational High Schools (VHS). The recommendations from the previous research indicated the need for these courses, but the implementation of these programs depends on their validation by the National Qualifications Authority in Kosovo (NQA).
During this workshop, a reflection on the developed programs was also made by the curriculum developers for Adult Education (ALE) in the professions: tailoring, metalworking, auto mechanics, central heating and air conditioning, electrical installation, construction/masonry, and information and communication technology (ICT). They also emphasized that the programs can't be implemented due to the lack of professional standards, program validation, infrastructure, technical capacities, and human resources.
Ms. Donjeta Nimani Binqe from NQA presented in detail the criteria and procedures that must be followed for the validation of qualifications and the accreditation of institutions. She explained that the procedures for applying for accreditation will be improved and facilitated through the launch of an online platform by NQA.
In the second part of the workshop, participants were divided into two working groups to draft recommendations that will enable the implementation of these programs. The first group analyzed the existing capacities and challenges for the implementation of short-term modular courses for adult education, highlighting recommendations for legislative changes, improving existing programs, creating new programs and teaching materials, incentivizing and compensating teachers, and drafting guidelines for assessment and certification, among other things.
On the other hand, the second group focused on recommendations for the assessment and certification process according to the modular system programs for Adult Education. They emphasized the need for andragogical knowledge, standardization of teaching materials, and drafting operational guidelines for the assessment process,etc.
All the recommendations emerging from this workshop will be addressed to the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI), the Agency for Vocational Education and Training and Adult Education (AVETAE), the Kosovo Accreditation Agency (NQA), DVV International, and other relevant stakeholders responsible for Adult Education in Kosovo.
Implementing these programs will provide an advanced modular approach tailored to the demands of the labor market, increasing access to education for marginalized groups and adults who have been excluded from the education process in Kosovo.