Our work

Creating pathways for Lifelong Learning

Together with our implementing partners, we consider the needs and interests of youth and adults that are Not engaged in Education, Employment or Training between the ages of 18 and 45 years (the so-called NEETS target group) in Sri Lanka.

We are interested in creating a lifelong learning trajectory across sectors that will provide the target group with access to different pathways of learning and life improvement. By strengthening and transforming existing government services we create entry points starting with career guidance and life coaching that can lead to informed decisions about different livelihoods skills training courses. 

Currently this includes non-formal training in the sectors of vocational training, agriculture and fisheries that is tailored towards the target groups’ needs and linked to the current job and entrepreneurial markets in Sri Lanka. The learning trajectory includes training and coaching to start and run a business as well as access to information about job opportunities. Life coaching is envisaged as an ongoing support service.

Implementation Approach

DVV International is both a technical and financial partner. Our technical expertise lies in the fields of non-formal adult learning and education and system strengthening. To support the strengthening of Adult Learning and Education (ALE) systems we use the ALESBA (Adult Learning and Education System Building Approach) to guide system building across five phases:

1. Phase One- Consensus Building among key stakeholders

2. Phase Two- Assessment and Diagnosis of the existing ALE system and target group needs

3. Phase Three- Alternatives Analysis and design of a new improved ALE system

4. Phase Four – Implement and test the newly designed system in selected pilot provinces/districts (by all partners)

5. Phase Five – Review, adjust and up-scale of the pilot/tested system from phase four.

The ALESBA directs the system building process with a conceptual framework and accompanying tools and processes for each of the above-mentioned phases. The conceptual framework identifies 4 system elements and 20 system building blocks that function together to deliver quality ALE services at different places of learning. In the Sri Lankan context, it includes vocational training centres, community learning centres, etc.

Long-term goals and objectives

DVV International’s long-term goals and objectives in Sri Lanka aims to strengthen the existing Sri Lankan system to deliver quality ALE services that are relevant to the target groups’ needs and interests, but also aligned with the socio-economic context of the island.