PRESENTATION OF PROJECT RESULTS ADULT EDUCATION FOR SOCIAL PROFESSIONS „Social Educational Center“ (SEC)
For life we learn
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PREFACE
Dear readers, We are pleased to present our final publication created as part of the Adult Education for Social Professions Project “SOCIAL EDUCATIONAL CENTER”. On the following pages you will find basic project information, results achieved and lessons learned by the SEC Adult Education Institution, as well as the current state of adult education in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Over the last 65 months, the SEC team in cooperation with teachers, trainers and a large number of partners worked intensively on implementing this project and various activities in multiple areas. It is difficult to summarize everything that we have worked on since 2010 in written form and in this limited space. We have experienced on our own skin the challenges and difficulties, falls and failures, but none of these prevented us from continuing to pursue our mission with determination and courage. Still, support, understanding and significant success have given us more than adequate reasons to celebrate. We tried to present not just concrete results but also their significance for each individual and BiH society as a whole. Words, numbers and photographs in this publication carry the message of love, community and hope intended for all of you. On behalf of the entire project team I extend my sincere gratitude to all organizations, institutions and individuals who have assisted and in any way helped to develop SEC and adult education in Bosnia and Herzegovina. On the date of publishing of this report, we at SEC are celebrating our success - celebrate with us! You are invited to become a part of SEC as a trainee, business partner or trainer, because FOR LIFE WE LEARN. Sarajevo, April 2016 Zlatko Malić, SEC Project Manager
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ABOUT THE PROJECT Adult Education for Social Professions Project “Social Educational Center� is a joint effort implemented by Caritas Austria and Caritas Bosnia and Herzegovina, with financial support from the Austrian Development Cooperation and the Province of Upper Austria.
In early 2010, during the initial stage of the project, project partners conducted a study of legislation, needs and options for implementation of a long-term project of adult education for social professions. After the results became available in late 2010 funding was approved for the main part of the project which consisted of establishing a training center in the RS and lobbying at all levels in order to create the necessary conditions for vocational education of adults in social professions and training delivery. The project has four goals, or lines of approach: Assist the development of the adult education system in the whole of BiH Project activities should be directed towards developing the adult education system in the whole of BiH, specifically with regard to creating legal grounds for recognition of vocational adult education in the entire territory of BiH, with an emphasis on the planned training programs and new vocational profiles. Improve the quality of social services through professional staff training Introduction of training standards and delivery of vocational training and development courses would affect the quality of social services provided to ultimate beneficiaries, especially the elderly and persons with disabilities. 2
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Increase employability, particularly of women and socially vulnerable population groups Training of professional staff in the field of social services should result in their employment or self-employment. The project should conduct activities aimed at establishing contact and connecting trainees with potential employers, and should also monitor trainees’ business environment. Create training programs that will be recognized by the society Through monitoring the labor market, particularly in the social sphere, and new developments in the field of adult education we will create professional adult education programs. These programs must be publicly recognized, based on relevant legislation, and must include a practical training component.
Basic facts: Project duration: 1.12.2010 - 31.6.2016 Project value: 1.4 million euro Implementers: Caritas Bosnia and Herzegovina and Caritas Austria Main donors: Austrian Development Cooperation, Province of Upper Austria and Caritas Austria Project team: total of 12 employees plus a large number of external associates - trainers Location: Bosnia and Herzegovina (Banja Luka, Mostar, Travnik and Sarajevo as primary locations) SOCIAL EDUCATIONAL CENTER
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ACCOMPLISHED RESULTS Adult Education Institution “Social Educational Center” in Banja Luka established Adult Education Institution “Social Educational Center” in Banja Luka (SEC) was founded in June 2011. SEC is registered at the district court in Banja Luka as an institution with a primary role of an adult education provider. Approval for establishment of the SEC was also granted by the Adult Education Institute of the Republic of Srpska. SEC is a dynamic educational institution specializing in adult education for social professions, with training programs conducted according to adult education standards and regulations, and is the only institution of it’s kind in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Igor Lukenda, SEC Director The major challenge at the very beginning of the project and establishment of the Center was to find teaching staff willing to make adult education their calling. We did not lack for experts, however the number of experts who wished to work with adults as partners in the educational process was insufficient. Experts expected to control the entire process and transfer knowledge at any cost. Only when they realized how much partnership with trainees would enrich their life and work did they become aware of the pleasure one gets from teaching adults. This approach is the quality that sets SEC apart from others. With the staff we have today we can build an approach and education that enriches and respects every individual.
Institution branches established in the Federation BiH, with branch offices in Mostar and Travnik Upon discussions with relevant partner organizations, ministries (of education and social welfare), non-governmental and charity organizations and institutions which provide social services, the SEC team decided to base it’s branch offices in Travnik and Mostar. This allowed for transfer of knowledge and training and promoted the story of adult education and new vocational profiles in these areas. SEC branch offices gave special significance to adult education and were one of the drivers in their areas of operation. 4
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SEC participated in development of adult education legislation As part of it’s regular activities, the SEC team together with representatives from other organizations in BiH (mainly DVV International) intensively worked on lobbying and advocating for adoption of relevant legislation in the Federation BiH, especially on the cantonal level. SEC team was directly involved in the development of adult education regulations in all six cantons which have adult education laws, as well as creation of the Draft Law for the Federation BiH. The very fact that SEC was invited to comment on and participate in the development of these regulations shows that the relevant institutions recognize and acknowledge SEC’s importance in development of adult education in BiH. Curricula developed for four formally accredited training programs - new professions From it’s very beginnings and until this day SEC has created four training programs that are completely new to our region: Program for caregivers for the elderly, Providing support and assistance to persons with intellectual disabilities, Personal Assistants for persons with physical and sensory disabilities, Working instructor for persons with disabilities. We are proud of these new programs we created and the fact that they received their rightful place in the BiH educational system. Implemented 23 formally accredited trainings in several cities in BiH To date SEC has implemented a total of 23 formally accredited trainings - formal training courses, financed by other donors as well as on a commercial basis. These trainings took place in six cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Banja Luka, Mostar, Travnik, Jajce, Sarajevo and Trebinje, and the participants came from various cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is important to note that formally accredited trainings are training programs that have been accredited by the relevant ministries, for which SEC has obtained official approval and can issue a valid and recognized training certificate. Accordingly, after successful completion of the training course all participants are entitled to register this qualification in their employment record.
Albina C., Sanski Most I really liked the clarity of training objectives, quality and content of inputs and presentation methods. A total of 37 curricula developed for non-formal training courses Non-formal trainings are essentially short training courses aimed at acquiring new knowledge and skills applicable to various spheres of life. There are also professional development trainings in specific fields for given professions. During the five years of it’s existence SEC has developed 37 non-formal training programs in different fields and these trainings are regularly offered through SEC. SOCIAL EDUCATIONAL CENTER
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31 non-formal trainings delivered During the project period 31 non-formal training courses took place and were successfully completed by 602 trainees. This statistic does not include internal non-formal trainings organized for SEC staff and trainers. An interesting indicator of the success and quality of trainings provided by SEC is the fact that 13 trainings were organized for legal entities upon their request.
More than 11,000 hours of training delivered SEC has delivered more than 11,000 hours of training in formal and non-formal trainings combined. Every hour of training in SEC is based on adult education (andragogy) standards and is prepared and monitored with care in order to ensure the highest quality of education. Adult education is specific and, regardless of the knowledge teachers and trainers have in their area of expertise and their teaching experience gained in regular schools, SEC insists on additional competencies specific to the field of adult education. The quality of our training is our best promotional tool and this is best confirmed by the number of people who gladly return for additional SEC trainings.
Ivana T., Mostar I enrolled in the training program in Mostar because of the professionalism of trainers and the knowledge that I would gain. I have completed formal training for working instructor for persons with disabilities and today I am a proud member of the SEC family and working instructor.
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SEC trainings successfully completed by 1005 trainees During the project period, SEC trainings were successfully completed by a total of 1005 persons. Of these, 403 completed one of the four formally accredited training courses and 602 completed some of SEC’s non-formal trainings. A large number of professionally trained personnel directly results in a higher standard of care for those in need. All participants who successfully complete SEC trainings receive more than just a certificate of attendance/formal diploma; they also receive a medal produced by persons with disabilities as a token of the time spent together and reward for their efforts. Employability of former trainees increased by around 40% To offer a quality education that will help participants find a job is one of our core guidelines, and one that we will never compromise on. Around 70% of former trainees who attended formal SEC trainings found employment or became self-employed after completion (earning an income). In some areas and for some trainings this percentage reaches 100% (e.g. caregivers in Mostar). According to the latest statistics the employability of former trainees is increased by around 40% (before and after training). Internal quality system developed SEC has developed and operates under internal quality standards which incorporate administrative and financial matters, management and supervision, human potentials and the overall training process. SEC standards have allowed us to work in accordance with domestic legislation, Christian values and international standards in all areas of our work. SEC is particularly proud of it’s adult education standards and numerous activities aimed at improving our teachers’ and trainers’ approach to adult education.
Ivana K., Čapljina Thanks to the way the SEC team works, we trainees come out of each training better and with more to offer. Business documents developed For purposes of effective internal operations and clear business guidelines for the future, SEC has developed a substantial number of business documents. Documents of note include strategic guidelines, business plan, marketing plan, fundraising strategy, various regulations, etc. Creation of these documents has greatly affected the way we work. SOCIAL EDUCATIONAL CENTER
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Creation and successful administration of Internet applications Besides the official website, SEC maintains a profile on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Due to the fact that Facebook is the most popular social network in BiH, SEC has dedicated major efforts to developing it’s Facebook page. We currently have more than 6,000 people following SEC on this social platform and this number is constantly growing by about 60 new followers each week. Through this promotional channel SEC is becoming competitive in the media market and is positioned as a professional and transparent adult training institution. Public institutions and international partners have recognized the qualities of SEC’s training staff and have included them in working groups and steering committees SEC staff has participated in various working groups and bodies in the field of adult education and/or social policy. SEC staff was invited to take part in these bodies by the relevant public institutions and international organizations with which we have established business relations. Participation in these working bodies serves as additional evidence of the success and overall quality of the SEC project. Membership in the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA) represents further recognition of the quality of our work. SEC implemented and/or participated in 5 other projects During the project period, SEC responded to many calls for project proposals which served to enrich our offer but also helped us to further spread adult education throughout the country. To date, directly or in partnership with other organizations, we have successfully implemented 5 additional projects.
Emir Avdagić, Director of DVV International - Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina From the very beginning of it’s work SEC established direct cooperation with DVV International - Office in BiH. We jointly worked on improving the quality and scope of educational programs offered to youth and adults, promotion of employment through continued professional development and training, strengthening of SEC’s adult education capacities and on lobbying for adoption of adult education legislation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In appreciation of SEC’s professionalism and quality of work, innovative programs, andragogy-based approach, contribution to promotion of adult education and continuous investments into developing their own human potentials, DVV International has supported and recommended SEC’s membership in the European Association for the Education of Adults (EAEA).
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Signed a number of MoUs and business contracts with other legal entities Activities directed at strengthening cooperation with other organizations and institutions are of key importance for any educational institution, and therefore also for SEC. The above mentioned examples of cooperation are a part of our operating strategy and without them this level of results would not be possible. We have established numerous contacts both locally and internationally and signed many memoranda of understanding and business cooperation contracts. Networking with other adult education actors both domestically and internationally can result in synergies and innovations in different spheres of life.
11.000
1.005 participants
teaching hours
37
from
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cities
23
31
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non-formal trainings
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Kozarska Dubica
Gradiška Nova Topola Derventa Laktaši
Prijedor Sanski Most
Banja Luka
Doboj
Teslić
Kneževo Jajce
Travnik
Novi Travnik Bugojno
Lukavac
Zenica
Vitez
Kiseljak Donji Vakuf Fojnica Gornji Vakuf / Uskoplje Kreševo Prozor-Rama Posušje Široki Grude Brijeg Ljubuški
Gračanica
Visoko Sarajevo Konjic
Mostar Polog Čapljina
Nevesinje
Stolac Trebinje
Tuzla
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LESSONS LEARNED Cooperation with ministries and public institutions Due to the decentralized nature of Bosnia and Herzegovina there is a large number of ministries and public institutions that need to be consulted in order to address specific issues. For example, in the process of adoption of the Law on Adult Education we had to directly communicate with a total of 12 responsible and two coordinating ministries. If we add to this the fact that similar situations exist in some other areas (social policy, healthcare, economy) and the fact that it is next to impossible to organize joint meetings in one place, it is easy to conclude that lobbying and advocacy processes progress very slowly. Lessons learned: Regardless of any difficulties, this form of cooperation is unavoidable if we want to achieve systemic change - and this is what SEC strives towards. SEC has learned that cooperation with ministries and public institutions is possible, but it is also difficult and demanding.
Mira Bera, Director of the Adult Education Institution of the Republic of Srpska Adult Education Institution of the Republic of Srpska is extremely pleased with our cooperation with the Social Educational Center. We have established excellent relations and we see SEC as an example for other adult education organizations and institutions.
Adult education, labor market and needs The entire education sector, including adult education, achieves it’s purpose fully only when what is learned can be applied in the labor market or in everyday life. In Bosnia and Herzegovina there is an evident need to create better linkages between education, economy, healthcare and social policy. Programs are often based on ideas rather than actual needs, in which case trainees have a difficult time finding employment, while on the other hand the labor market has specific needs but institutions and programs that could address those needs are lacking. Lessons learned: In developing training programs and in the delivery of trainings SEC has maintained regular contact with partner organizations/institutions in order to tailor the curriculum to their specific needs. Furthermore, close cooperation and coordination is necessary between various institutions/ministries. SOCIAL EDUCATIONAL CENTER
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Izudin H., Jajce I am a social worker and I decided to take this training course because SEC offers trainings that are closely related to my profession. The fact that support professions are new in these parts and that they assist people with intellectual disabilities who are marginalized by society was an additional motive for me to enroll in the SEC training.
Learning habit’s Due to a number of reasons primarily related to the events of 1990s, adult education in Bosnia and Herzegovina has undergone major changes and it is fair to say that the entire adult education system was nearly extinguished. This situation resulted in the fact that today’s regular citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina are not accustomed to the idea of continuing their education after completing formal education. The predominant mentality in Bosnia and Herzegovina is not inclined towards lifelong learning, professional development and training. Lessons learned: Marketing and PR are powerful tools that can be harnessed to (re)build this mentality. The role of media is particularly important because media channels and promotion of positive examples can foster awareness and positive attitudes about adult education in individuals and influence decision-makers and employers. Investing in employees is not a cost but an investment. When this becomes the dominant attitude in the whole society the mentality will change dramatically.
Maja G., Banja Luka What got me interested in SEC was the concept of adult education, because it hardly exists here. I think everyone should strive to improve and build on their existing knowledge. SEC gives us that, regardless of our age and level of education.
Adult education quality standards In Bosnia and Herzegovina, same as in the wider region, there is an absence of clear standards in adult education. Without such standards, poor quality of the training process and inadequately trained teaching staff are not able to address participants’ needs and offer quality adult education.
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Lessons learned: From it’s very beginnings SEC has intensively invested in developing it’s quality system, especially with regard to the training process. Principles of adult education, adult education training, training areas, visit’s to classes, individual consultation with trainers and joint coordination meetings are only some of the specific measures SEC has undertaken with the aim to develop it’s internal quality system. The quality system was also influenced by study trips, international conferences and international contacts. Quality of the training process is the most important criterion for trainee satisfaction, as well as for success and self-sustainability of an educational institution.
Slađana S., Travnik I chose SEC as my training institution because they offer high quality, competent professional development trainings. The atmosphere at SEC is pleasant, relaxed but diligent, and excellent trainers certainly contributed to our learning and development.
Self-sustainability To speak of self-sustainability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in the adult education field and with parallel development of the quality system, can almost be seen as a utopia. Absence of public budgets for adult education, inadequate awareness of employers about it’s importance, low individual purchasing power, funding reserved for strictly defined trainings and population groups and many requests for social responsibility have presented SEC with a serious challenge - how to ensure it’s financial sustainability after the project is finished. Lessons learned: SEC has created a fundraising strategy aimed at it’s survival and with a desire to relieve individuals from bearing the full cost of training. Different results were achieved in each area and the key aspect was engagement of experts from the business world. It is important to note that SEC’s results will persist even after the project ends. The laws and the existing curricula will remain available to the public and the professionally trained staff will continue to deliver quality services. SOCIAL EDUCATIONAL CENTER
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Ante Bender, Head of the Caritas Home for Elderly and Infirm Persons with Hospice “Betanija” My first experience with SEC was at the “Management in Social Work” training in 2013, where I personally witnessed the high quality of SEC training and trainers. Led by this positive experience, I sought opportunities for staff from the Caritas Home for Elderly and Infirm Persons with Hospice “Betanija” to attend several formal and non-formal SEC trainings, and after each training our staff would return to the Home with new skills and knowledge that improved the quality of our services.
Low purchasing power One of the factors directly influencing participation in adult education programs is citizens’ purchasing power. We often encountered individuals who wished or needed to attend certain trainings, but their inability to pay for the training was an insurmountable obstacle. Public funding is often not accessible to individuals and project-based funding sources are usually reserved for strictly defined target groups or types of training. Lessons learned: In order to develop an effective adult education system, reinforce the concept of lifelong learning and make the whole society a learning society, it is necessary to find flexible and readily available mechanisms for (co)financing of adult education. Adjusting prices to match citizens’ purchasing power, active search for potential donors/sponsors which could finance a portion of the cost for individuals, and a sales strategy focusing on institutions and organizations are the key lessons learned in this aspect.
Illegal competition One of the major challenges for SEC was illegal competition, and frequently there was nothing we could do about it. Namely, due to missing regulations and unclear legal provisions a number of different organizations offered same or similar programs as SEC but without accreditation from the relevant ministries. In these cases the quality of training was lower, but so was the price. People who attended such trainings would receive only certificates of attendance (rather than formal qualifications) and this directly harmed the trainees as well as the entire adult education system. Lessons learned: Acting in strict compliance with the law and investing in quality of the training process is the only viable path to long-term success. Reputation of our project partners and Caritas in particular has greatly contributed to gaining trust from our trainees and beneficiaries. These elements are the key component of the SEC brand and clearly separate us from illegal competitors. 14
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ADULT EDUCATION INSTITUTION “SOCIAL EDUCATIONAL CENTER” (SEC) SEC is a dynamic adult training institution providing accredited training courses for social professions as well as a range of non-formal trainings in this domain. Curricula and methods are fully adjusted to trainee’s needs and existing level of knowledge. In it’s field of work SEC applies principles of equality, equal access, respect for dignity and holiness of each person, prohibition of discrimination and the principle of professionalism.
Ana P., Mostar When I learned more about this institution I wanted to become a part of it. Training in SEC is very useful and the quality is excellent, trainers are very professional, approachable and, most importantly, they know how to pass their knowledge to us trainees. Our mission: SEC is an adult education institution operating in accordance with adult education standards, Christian values and social principles of the Catholic Church. Our vision: SEC is the benchmark for quality and success in adult education. Trainings offered: SEC currently offers training courses in four distinct areas: Social and health; Employment and Management; Adult education; Society and Culture.The table below presents an overview of available training programs, where the first four listed courses are formally accredited programs and the remaining ones are non-formal trainings.
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Number of hours 500
Ser.
Program title
1
4
Training program for caregivers for the elderly Training program for personal assistants for persons with physical and sensory disabilities (PA) Training program for providing support and assistance to persons with intellectual disabilities (PP) Training program for working instructor for persons with disabilities (RI)
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Aromatherapy
240
6
Ayers sensory integration in SIAT pedagogy
180
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Education for maids
80
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Babysitters
72
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Management in social work - SOMA
60
10
Application of Orff Schulwerk elements in education and musical therapy
48
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Adapted physical activities
48
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Palliative care
48
13
Communication in healthcare
48
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Social networks manager
36
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Training for Trainers – Working in adult education
32
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Lobbying, advocacy and business negotiation
25
17
Active job search
24
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Geriatric emergencies
24
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Playing and learning
24
20
Teamwork and communication
24
21
Creating a business plan
20
22
Neuromuscular taping
20
23
Sales skills
20
24
First aid for pre-school children
18
25
First aid for epileptic seizures and emergencies
14
26
Basic course - Working in adult education
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Alzheimer’s and dementia
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28
Little school of parenting
12
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Care after a stroke
12
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Sensory integration in school and home environment
12
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Time management
12
32
Role of communication in care
12
33
Basic photography course
12
34
Massage for babies
10
35
Basics of assisting children with developmental difficulties in primary education
8
36
Basics of inclusive education
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CONTACT DETAILS “Socijalno – edukativni centar” SEC Banja Luka Dr. Mladena Stojanovića 6
BA – 78000 Banja Luka Tel.: +387 51 321–600; –601 E–Mail: info@sec.ba “Socijalno – edukativni centar” SEC p.j. Mostar
“Socijalno – edukativni centar” SEC p.j. Travnik
Zagrebačka 5A BA – 88000 Mostar Tel.: +387 36 316–905 E–Mail: mostar@sec.ba
Lukačka 3 BA – 72270 Travnik Tel.: +387 63 885 730 E–Mail: travnik@sec.ba
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ADULT EDUCATION IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA Legal framework Bosnia and Herzegovina is comprised of two entities: Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republic of Srpska, and Brčko District. Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina is an entity that consists of ten cantons. Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina is under jurisdiction of the Republic of Srpska and the cantons, while Federation BiH and the state level have a coordinating role. At the state level, within the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina operates the Department of Education, however at the level of Bosnia and Herzegovina there is no single agency, Institution or similar institution dedicated to adult education. A document titled Principles and Standards of Adult Education in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Official Gazette of BiH, no. 39/14) was adopted in 2014 by the Council of Ministers of BiH. It establishes common principles and standards for foundations, development, implementation and coordination of adult education policies and regulations in the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Another document adopted at state level is the Strategic Platform for Adult Education in the Context of Lifelong Learning in Bosnia and Herzegovina 2014-2020 (Official Gazette of BiH, no. 96/14) which stipulates the legal framework and foundations for cooperation and activities of the responsible bodies, institutions, organizations and individuals at all levels of government in Bosnia and Herzegovina with regard to adult education. The Ministry of Education and Culture of the Republic of Srpska is responsible for administrative and other affairs in the field of education. The Adult Education Sector operates within the Adult Education Institution as one of it’s organizational unit’s and unites and coordinates adult education efforts. This sector provides expert assistance in the main field of operation of the Institution, namely adult education. The Law on Adult Education (Official Gazette of RS, no. 59/09 and 1/12) stipulates the organization and structure of adult education as part of the overall educational system of the Republic of Srpska. In addition to the law, this field is regulated by a number of bylaws and regulations. In this manner, Republic of Srpska was the first to regulate adult education in Bosnia and Herzegovina and has laid the foundations for systematic development of this educational pillar. The Federal Ministry of Education and Science performs administrative, expert and other roles stipulated by the law with respect to coordination and planning of education. The Draft Law on Principles of Adult Education in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was adopted by the Government 18
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and the House of Representatives of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2014. This law aims to regulate education and lifelong learning for adults within the common educational system in cantons in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This draft law is yet to be adopted by the House of Peoples. Since in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina cantons are in charge of education, every cantonal ministry performs administrative and expert tasks, as stipulated by the Constitution, laws and regulations with regard to authority and responsibilities of each canton in the field of education. Regulation of this field must be adopted by each canton separately, which further complicates and hinders progress. To date, six cantons have adopted adult education laws: – Una-Sana Canton (Official Gazette of the Una-Sana Canton, no. 10/13) – Zenica-Doboj Canton (Official Gazette of the Zenica-Doboj Canton, no. 5/14) – Bosnian-Podrinje Canton Goražde (Official Gazette of the Bosnian-Podrinje Canton Goražde, no. 05/15) – West Herzegovina Canton (Official Gazette of the West Herzegovina Canton, no. 17/15) – Tuzla Canton (Official Gazette of the Tuzla Canton, no. 9/15) – Sarajevo Canton (Official Gazette of the Sarajevo Canton, no. 40/15) These laws are harmonized with the Draft Law on Principles of Adult Education in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Herzegovina-Neretva Canton and Central Bosnia Canton have introduced specific adult education bylaws as a temporary measure and the actual laws are in the final drafting stage. Brčko District and the remaining two cantons (Posavina and Canton 10) have only partially addressed adult education through their laws on primary and secondary education. Cantons which have adopted laws have also worked on creating specific bylaws in order to fully regulate this field.
Priorities and recommendations for development of adult education
Quickly adopt adult education laws in the whole of BiH. Consistently enforce adopted adult education laws in order to implement legislative provisions in practice. Create bylaws and regulations in order to achieve more detailed and precise regulation of adult education, define responsibilities and scope of authority. Plan public budgets for financing and co-financing of adult education in order to increase the number of adults attending adult education, ensure quality of the training process and maintain continuous development of this field. Create and apply a qualifications scheme for the whole country that will allow comparison of competences with European countries. Involve all relevant partners in regular contemplation and planning of adult education policy, with an emphasis on building trust with the public sector and civil society organizations. SOCIAL EDUCATIONAL CENTER
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Link education with the labor market in order to inform employers, educational institutions and adults about the possibilities and potentials existing in the market. Encourage creation of specialized adult education institutions as an important resource in the context of increasing overall capacities for quality education and lifelong learning. Define the profile for adult education teaching staff, ensure their continuous training for work in adult education, adequate monitoring of their performance and regular (re)licensing. Harmonize and modernize curricula and programs in all forms of formally accredited adult education. Standardize implementation of the teaching process based on adult education principles and latest didactic and methodological knowledge. Define the quality system in order to avoid fraud and corruption in adult education. Promote and publicly advocate adult education and continuous learning everywhere and at all times, especially in times of unemployment and/or change of vocation. Ensure and regularly update the database of all providers of various adult education programs. Lobby with international donors, especially in the European Union, in order to secure sufficient funding to develop and provide different forms of adult education in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Zlatko Malić, SEC Project Manager Today, more than five years into this project, I can proudly say that SEC is one of the most significant Caritas projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina. SEC has made an enormous contribution to the development of the adult education system in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I am very pleased that we managed to achieve everything we planned and it was my great honor to lead this young, successful and professional team.
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SOCIAL EDUCATIONAL CENTER
For life we learn